Ding holds Gukesh, scores tied 2-2
29th November, 2024 by R R Vasudevan from Singapore
A surprise first move by the World Champion Ding Liren (China) was not adequate to unsettle the poise of Challenger Gukesh Dommaraju (India) as the fourth game of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 presented by Google ended in a draw leaving the scores tied 2-2 at the Equarius Hotel Sentosa, Singapore here today. Ten more rounds remain to be played with both having the advantage of five whites each.
The first move 1.Nf3 played by World Champion Ding Liren can be viewed as a ploy to take the young Challenger out of theory. It worked in getting into some original set up early on into the middle game, but the compensation was far from adequate to press for a white win. Early into the game Ding’s developing the Bishop on the rim was noticed by Dutch Grandmaster Jan Timman who tweeted, “The idea of Ding’s 5.Ba3 is known from Petrosian-Tal, Curacao ’62”, showing that the match is followed by legends of the past.
The Zukertort Opening played by Ding might not have seen the light of the world championship in the past, but cost the Chinese Grandmaster a precious white. With momentary aggression through 11.b4 Ding rather flattered to deceive. Periodical exchange of pieces saw the game moving into a rook and pawn ending with no big threats for either player. A three fold repetition saw Ding and Gukesh signing peace after 42 moves. Body languages can be deceptive, but Chinese World Champion appeared content with a draw after tasting defeat in the previous round.
With little or no big impact playing out the first move, Team Ding would better start looking out for a new plan. Ten games would go in a jiffy and time to test new waters is not far away. On the other hand, the sailing has been smooth for Chennai based Grandmaster Gukesh. He’s been snatching quiet half points with black pieces without much ado.
“All that matters on the chessboard is good moves” is the famous saying of former World Champion Bobby Fischer (USA). It is no coincidence that 18-year-old Challenger Gukesh Dommaraju brings in chess great Bobby Fischer’s quote from time to time and today’s post match press conference was no exception.
Earlier, two former former world champions made the customary first move for white and black pieces today. Former Women’s world champion Xie Jun of China made the symbolic first move for white, while former world champion and Indian legend Viswanathan Anand made the first move for black.
The fifth game begins at 5 PM Singapore time Saturday 30th November, 2024, with Challenger Gukesh Dommaraju sitting behind the white pieces. The player who scores 7.5 points or more will win this 14 game match, picking up the better part of the US$2.5 million total prize fund. The match presented by Google, will be broadcast LIVE with expert commentary on the FIDE YouTube Channel.
GM Ding Liren (2728) – GM Gukesh Dommaraju (2783) 1. Nf3 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. b3 Bf5 4. Be2 h6 5. Ba3 Nbd7 6. O-O e6 7. Bxf8 Nxf8 8. c4 N8d7 9. Nc3 O-O 10. cxd5 exd5 11. b4 c6 12. Nd4 Bh7 13. Qb3 Ne5 14. a4 Rc8 15. a5 b6 16. Nf3 Nxf3+ 17. Bxf3 d4 18. Ne2 dxe3 19. dxe3 Be4 20. Rfd1 Qe7 21. Bxe4 Nxe4 22. axb6 axb6 23. Nc3 Rfd8 24. Nxe4 Qxe4 25. h3 c5 26. Rxd8+ Rxd8 27. bxc5 bxc5 28. Rc1 Qe5 29. Qc2 Rd5 30. g3 f5 31. Kg2 Kh7 32. Qc4 Qd6 33. e4 Re5 34. exf5 Rxf5 35. Qe4 Qd5 36. Qxd5 Rxd5 37. Kf3 Kg6 38. Ke4 Rd4+ 39. Ke3 Rd5 40. Ke4 Rd4+ 41. Ke3 Rd5 42. Ke4 Rd4+ 1/2-1/2
PICTURE: (L to R) World Champion Ding Liren, former Women World Champion Xie Jun, GM Maurice Ashley Master of Ceremonies, former World Champion Viswanathan Anand, Challenger Gukesh Dommaraju
COURTESY: FIDE (International Chess Federation)
