Ding outstanDing, its 6-6, with two to go
Finding himself in a must win situation, Ding played a flawless game to even the score at a crucial juncture. The Reti opening saw 4…d4 from black showcasing the Challenger’s willingness to fight. That sporting decision helped Ding more than Gukesh. A gradual expansion of the middle-game by the Chinese saw white poised for some big strike. Minor inaccuracies from black slowly inched up white’s advantage. After 22…Bg5 23. Nf4 Bxf4 the tide turned completely in favor of the World Champion, who did no mistake this time. Executing his moves with quiet precision Ding finished the game with an elegant rook sacrifice 39. Rxg7+ when mate in seven looked certain.
“It might be the best game I played in recent times” said a relieved and happy Ding Liren in the post match press conference. Regaining his composure, Challenger Gukesh admitted, it wasn’t a pleasant experience to lose, but was looking forward to play well in the last two games. On his comeback trail Ding said, “Rapport sent me a file named “Strike Back!” and it happened” which goes to show that he’s got excellent rapport with Richard !!
12th game of the world championship turned symbolic as Ding had made a similar comeback in the previous World Championship match against Ian Nepomniachtchi. Also, the Ding we witnessed today, played with machine like precision reminding all about the Ding of past. Going into the final rest day, the champion and the challenger find themselves in contrasting situations. But with scores remaining tied, it will all come down the nerves. The watershed moment isn’t far away for both the players, as we enter the home run.
After a day of rest, the 13th game begins at 5 PM Singapore time on Wednesday 11th December, 2024 with Challenger Gukesh Dommaraju sitting behind the white pieces. 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. c4 e6 2. g3 d5 3. Bg2 Nf6 4. Nf3 d4 5. O-O Nc6 6. e3 Be7 7. d3 dxe3 8. Bxe3 e5 9. Nc3 O-O 10. Re1 h6 11. a3 a5 12. h3 Be6 13. Kh2 Rb8 14. Qc2 Re8 15. Nb5 Bf5 16. Rad1 Nd7 17. Qd2 Bg6 18. d4 e4 19. Ng1 Nb6 20. Qc3 Bf6 21. Qc2 a4 22. Ne2 Bg5 23. Nf4 Bxf4 24. Bxf4 Rc8 25. Qc3 Nb8 26. d5 Qd7 27. d6 c5 28. Nc7 Rf8 29. Bxe4 Nc6 30. Bg2 Rcd8 31. Nd5 Nxd5 32. cxd5 Nb8 33. Qxc5 Rc8 34. Qd4 Na6 35. Re7 Qb5 36. d7 Rc4 37. Qe3 Rc2 38. Bd6 f6 39. Rxg7+ 1-0
Picture Courtesy: FIDE (International Chess Federation)
