Game 12: Ding Liren takes down Gukesh D and ties the match!
In an unexpected twist, current World Champion Ding Liren defeated the challenger Gukesh D. this afternoon in game twelve, emulating last year’s twelfth-game comeback win against Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Even though he was initially taken back by Gukesh’s opening approach, Ding managed to find his way and create a chess masterpiece, perhaps one of the best games of his career.
After the game, Ding Liren accounted for his recovery in the postgame press conference:
“Yesterday was a difficult game to deal with, but I tried to continue with my normal routine and be refreshed for this important game. Today I had a cup of coffee before the game, which helped me feel much more energetic, and also, I had some snacks to maintain my energy levels for the critical moment. I think I played a very good game and found some good moves”
Despite suffering a major blow, Gukesh took it in stride.
“Although I didn’t remember all the details, I was aware of the opening position. I thought I was quite comfortable after the opening but later on, I wasn’t sure what to do” he explained after the game”.
“Obviously it’s not pleasant to lose this game, but at least the score is tied –two more games are remaining, so let’s see” the challenger concluded before he retired for the night.
After twelve of the fourteen scheduled classical games, once again the match is tied 6-6. The players will enjoy their final rest tomorrow and the match will resume on Wednesday, December 11th at 5 PM local time in Singapore. Gukesh will play White.
The games with expert commentary and the press conference can be followed on FIDE’s Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@FIDE_chess
FACT SHEET, Game 12, FIDE World Championship:
White: Ding Liren
Black: Gukesh D
Result: 1-0
Match score: 6-6
Game length: 39 moves
Opening: English Opening
Variation: Agincourt Defence
The full programme of side-events: worldchampionship.fide.com/Side-events.php
Written by IM Michael Rahal (Singapore)
Photos: Eng Chin An and Maria Emelianova / FIDE_chess
About the event
Current World Champion Ding Liren, representing China, and challenger Gukesh D, from India, face each other in a fourteen-game classical chess match. The player who scores 7.5 points or more will win the match, picking up the better part of the $2.5 million total prize fund.
The first of the fourteen scheduled games took place on Monday, November 25 at 5 pm with Gukesh opening with White. Hosted at the luxurious Resorts World Sentosa the match is broadcast live with expert commentary on the FIDE YouTube Channel.
Source: FIDE NEWS
