Gukesh-Ding Super-Fight Fizzles as Ding Rests in Olympiad

Gukesh-Ding Super-Fight Fizzles as Ding Rests in Olympiad

The highly anticipated clash between reigning World Champion Ding Liren and rising star D. Gukesh at the 44th Chess Olympiad in Budapest took an unexpected turn when Ding was “rested” by China for Round 7. In his absence, Wei Yi stepped up to face Gukesh, who has been in scintillating form with four wins and a draw in six rounds.

Despite the absence of Ding, Gukesh pressed for an advantage with White in an objectively drawish position. The Indian prodigy’s recent trajectory has been remarkable, propelling him into the top five while Ding has struggled, dropping out of the top 20 and failing to win a single game in Budapest.

Former World No. 4 GM Peter Svidler expressed surprise at Ding’s absence from Board 1 in such a crucial match. Ding’s recent defeat to Vietnam’s Quang Liem Le may have influenced China’s decision to rest him.

Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand believes Gukesh is now a clear favorite to become World Champion based on momentum and statistics. However, he cautioned that Ding is still a formidable opponent and the match in November will be a true test.

On Board 2, Yu Yangyi and R. Praggnanandhaa played a quick 17-move draw. P. Harikrishna was brought into the action for the first time since the opening round, replacing Vidit Gujrathi on Board 4.

In the women’s section, India defeated second seeds Georgia 3-1, maintaining their lead in the tournament. Vantika Agrawal pulled off a stunning victory against Bella Khotenashvili, showcasing her tactical prowess.

Ding Liren Concedes Gukesh as Favorite for World Chess Title Showdown

Ding Liren Concedes Gukesh as Favorite for World Chess Title Showdown

Defending world chess champion Ding Liren has conceded that his Indian challenger, D Gukesh, is the favorite to win their upcoming title showdown in November. Liren’s admission comes as Gukesh has been in impressive form at the ongoing 45th Chess Olympiad, leading the Indian team to five consecutive victories.

“I can see my opponent (Gukesh) playing extremely well in this tournament. Maybe he is a favorite in the World Championship Match. He also has a higher rating than me,” Liren said in an interview with the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Liren, who won the world crown in May 2022, has struggled for form in the past year. He took a break from the game due to depression and returned to action earlier this year at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, finishing ninth.

Gukesh, on the other hand, has been on a meteoric rise. He became the youngest challenger to the world title at the age of 17 after winning the Candidates tournament in April.

The two will clash in Singapore from November 20 to December 15 for the coveted title and a prize fund of USD 2.50 million. Should Gukesh prevail, he would become the first Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the title.

Liren acknowledged the possibility of a close battle between India and China for the gold medal in the Olympiad. “We are two very strong teams. We have a chance to fight for the gold medal,” he said.

Gukesh, however, remained cautious, saying that all participating teams are strong. “All countries are strong, we have to come everyday with the right spirit…We have a nice mood in the team, it’s enjoyable,” he said.

World Chess Championship: New Prize Fund and Tiebreak Format to Encourage Decisive Results

World Chess Championship: New Prize Fund and Tiebreak Format to Encourage Decisive Results

The upcoming World Chess Championship match between reigning champion Ding Liren and Indian prodigy D Gukesh has witnessed a significant change in prize fund distribution. In a bid to encourage decisive results and discourage draws, the global chess body FIDE has introduced a new format where players will be rewarded for each classical game they win.

Of the $2.5 million prize fund, $200,000 will be awarded for each classical game victory, with the remaining prize money split equally between the players. This move aims to incentivize aggressive play and reduce the number of drawn games, which have been prevalent in recent title matches.

In last year’s match between Ding and Ian Nepomniachtchi, 11 of the 14 classical games ended in draws. To address this issue, FIDE has also revised the tiebreak format. Instead of the previous four rapid games and two blitz games, the new format features four rapid games (15 minutes plus 10-second increment) followed by two more rapid games (10 minutes plus 5-second increment). If the scores remain tied, a two-minute blitz playoff (3 minutes plus 2-second increment) will be played.

This gradual decrease in time controls is intended to provide a more balanced and exciting tiebreak format. Both players have been consulted and have agreed to the new format.

While Gukesh excels in classical chess, Ding holds a higher ranking in rapid chess. However, Gukesh’s recent performance in the Candidates Tournament has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.

The match will be a test of both players’ skills and resilience. Ding will be aiming to defend his title, while Gukesh will be looking to make history as the youngest World Chess Champion. The new prize fund distribution and tiebreak format are expected to add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the match.

Ding Liren and D Gukesh Draw in Sinquefield Cup Opener

Ding Liren and D Gukesh Draw in Sinquefield Cup Opener

In the highly anticipated first encounter between reigning World Champion Ding Liren and 18-year-old Indian prodigy D Gukesh at the Sinquefield Cup, the two chess titans played out a tense draw in Round 1.

Despite Ding’s 2-0 advantage over Gukesh in classical chess, the Indian teen held his own, showcasing his remarkable talent. The game began with Ding holding the White pieces, and on move 18, Gukesh made a surprising decision that drew criticism from commentators.

Gukesh pushed his Black pawn to d4, opening up a potential mating threat on the kingside. Ding, with his hands resting on his face, pondered his next move for half an hour before playing the anticipated Queen to h6. However, he loosened his grip with a subsequent bd3 move, allowing Gukesh to create a passed pawn and counterplay opportunities.

Earlier in the day, Gukesh was spotted entering the World Chess Hall of Fame with his trainer and father. The teen recently received a Mercedes-Benz E-class as a gift from his Chennai school. Despite his recent success, Ding has dropped to his lowest ranking since 2016, while Gukesh has reached his highest-ever ranking of world no. 6.

After the game, Ding admitted to wanting to surprise Gukesh in the opening while preserving his preparation. He also acknowledged his improved form and the lessons he has learned from his recent losses.

The draw in Round 1 sets the stage for an intriguing rematch between the two players later this year in their World Championship match. Gukesh’s performance against the reigning champion demonstrates his potential to challenge for the highest honor in chess.

Ding Liren vs. D Gukesh: World Chess Championship to Grace Singapore

Ding Liren vs. D Gukesh: World Chess Championship to Grace Singapore

The FIDE World Chess Championship match between reigning champion Ding Liren and 18-year-old Indian challenger D Gukesh will be held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore from November 23 to December 15. This marks only the second time in the championship’s 138-year history that it will be played in Southeast Asia, following the infamous 1978 duel between Viktor Korchnoi and Anatoly Karpov in the Philippines.

Resorts World Sentosa, an integrated resort spanning over 49 hectares, offers a unique setting for the championship. It features Universal Studios, marine theme parks, a casino, and luxury hotels. Singapore’s successful bid to host the match, which carries a prize fund of $2.5 million, prevailed over competing bids from New Delhi and Chennai in India.

Gukesh, the youngest-ever challenger, and Ding are set to face off again at the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis before the World Championship match. If Gukesh emerges victorious against the Chinese grandmaster, he will become the youngest world champion in history.

In conjunction with the championship, the Singapore Chess Federation has organized several side events. The Singapore International Open, a top-level open event, will be held from November 29 to December 5, offering a total prize fund of S$100,000. The Singapore national age-group championship will also take place from November 24 to 28.

Kevin Goh, CEO of the Singapore Chess Federation and chair of the local organizing committee, expressed his hopes that the match will not only be a thrilling spectacle but also a catalyst for chess growth in Singapore. He drew parallels to the Fischer-Spassky match in Iceland, which significantly boosted the popularity of chess in the country.

The Singapore Chess Federation aims to leverage the championship to promote the game’s benefits for various social groups and establish Singapore as a hub for major chess events in the future.

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