India’s rising chess star D Gukesh delivered an impressive performance in the third game of the ongoing World Chess Championship, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China. With this win, the 18-year-old prodigy has tied the score at 1.5 points each after three games in the 14-game series.
Gukesh’s victory, his first in the championship, has brought new excitement to the competition. Following a loss in the first game and a draw in the second, the young Indian bounced back with calculated moves and exceptional preparation.
A Masterful Third Game by Gukesh
Game 3 was a demonstration of Gukesh’s improved strategy and mental resilience. He capitalized on a critical error by Ding Liren, who miscalculated his moves and struggled with time management. By the 13th move, Gukesh had already gained a significant advantage, using just four minutes of his allotted time, while Ding had spent over an hour.
Ding’s difficulties deepened as the match progressed. By the final moves, he had only two minutes left to make nine moves and barely ten seconds for the last six. This time pressure proved too much, and Gukesh seized the opportunity to deliver a decisive win.
Speaking after the match, Gukesh expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, “It feels great. I played better today and managed to defeat my opponent.”
Drawing Inspiration from Chess Legends
Gukesh’s strategy in Game 3 was inspired by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik’s tactics. He employed similar methods against Ding Liren that Kramnik once used against another Indian chess player, Arjun Erigaisi, in a rapid match. Unlike that game, where Erigaisi managed a draw, Gukesh successfully converted his opponent’s mistakes into a win.
This calculated and confident approach marks a significant evolution in Gukesh’s gameplay, especially after the challenges he faced in the opening game of the championship.
The Youngest World Title Contender
At just 18 years old, Gukesh is the youngest contender for the World Chess Championship title. His performance has drawn comparisons to legendary Indian chess player Viswanathan Anand, who won the world title five times during his illustrious career. Gukesh now aims to become the second Indian to achieve this prestigious feat.
While Gukesh’s Game 3 win has boosted his confidence, the path ahead is still challenging. With 11 games remaining, Ding Liren is expected to adopt a more cautious approach, learning from the mistakes that led to his defeat.
What Lies Ahead in the Championship?
Gukesh’s ability to maintain his mental composure will be crucial as the championship progresses. His strong performance with white pieces in Game 3 has put additional pressure on Ding, who will need to regroup during the rest day before the fourth game.
For Ding, who famously won the 2023 World Championship against Ian Nepomniachtchi in a dramatic tiebreaker, this setback is a reminder of the unpredictability of chess. However, his resilience and history of comebacks cannot be underestimated.
The Chennai-born Gukesh, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum and continue challenging his formidable opponent.
An Exciting Start to the Championship
With the first three games delivering a mix of surprises and stellar moves, the World Chess Championship has already captured the imagination of chess enthusiasts worldwide. Gukesh’s victory in Game 3 has set the stage for an intense battle in the remaining matches, making this one of the most thrilling championship showdowns in recent years.
Chess fans eagerly await the next encounter, with hopes high for another captivating display of strategy and skill.
