In a captivating start to the 2024 World Chess Championship, reigning titleholder Ding Liren of China has surged to an early lead over teenage Indian challenger Dommaraju Gukesh. After scoring a convincing win in game 1 and securing a draw in game 2, the 32-year-old Ding holds a 1.5-0.5 advantage in the best-of-14 game match being contested in Singapore.
Ding’s Champion Craft Prevails in Game 1
In the opening game of the championship, Ding Liren demonstrated the depth of his preparation and the precision of his play. Employing the rare and unorthodox King’s Indian Attack with the white pieces, Ding managed to steer the game into complex and unfamiliar territory for his young opponent.
Despite being renowned for his opening knowledge, the 18-year-old Gukesh seemed visibly unsettled by Ding’s choice. As the game progressed, the champion’s experience and strategic vision came to the fore. Maneuvering deftly, Ding provoked weaknesses in Gukesh’s position before pouncing with a devastating bishop sacrifice on move 28.
It was a masterful concept by Ding. The stunning bishop sac ripped open black’s kingside, allowing white’s heavy pieces to infiltrate with decisive effect. Gukesh was simply overwhelmed.
– Grandmaster commentator
Faced with an irresistible attack, Gukesh was forced to resign on move 35, handing Ding the full point and an important early lead in the match.
Gukesh Holds Firm to Draw Game 2
Heading into game 2 with the black pieces, the onus was on Gukesh to try and level the scores. In a surprise twist, Ding eschewed his usual 1.d4 opening move and instead played 1.e4, the King’s Pawn Opening.
The choice seemed to catch Gukesh off guard initially, but the youngster settled into a solid Petrov Defense. The game proceeded along well-trodden theoretical lines, with neither player able to gain a meaningful advantage.
As pieces were gradually exchanged off the board, a drawish endgame arose by move 30. With no progress left to be made, the players agreed to a draw by threefold repetition on move 35.
It was a professional, no-risk game by Ding. Content with a draw as white, he chose a line that offered little chance for fireworks. For Gukesh, it stops the bleeding and gets him on the scoreboard.
– Chess journalist
Confident Ding Looks to Press Advantage
With the first two games in the books, it’s the 32-year-old champion from China who has made the brighter start. Armed with a full point lead and the white pieces in game 3, Ding will be looking to maintain the pressure on his challenger.
For Gukesh, finding a foothold in this match is paramount. The chess world has marveled at his meteoric rise over the past 24 months, but defeating a reigning world champion requires a different level of fortitude altogether. How the Indian prodigy responds could define this championship.
All Eyes on Game 3 Showdown
As the chess world turns its attention to the pivotal third game of this title clash, fans and pundits alike are eager to see if Gukesh can muster a fightback. Will the teenager find a chink in Ding’s armor, or will the champion’s steadfast style prove too formidable a hurdle?
Tune in here for live move-by-move updates and expert analysis as this riveting battle of chess generations continues to unfold in Singapore. With the first decisive result already on the board, the 2024 World Chess Championship has begun in utterly compelling fashion.
