Sun Nov 24 23:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh Challenges Reigning Champion Ding Liren in World Championship Showdown
**Singapore, Nov 25, 2024** – The battle for the world chess championship begins today as defending champion Ding Liren of China faces off against India’s rising star, R Praggnanandhaa (“Gukesh”). The 14-round match, starting Monday, pits the seasoned Ding against the young challenger in a keenly anticipated clash.
Gukesh, an 18-year-old grandmaster, is considered the favorite by many chess experts due to his recent impressive form. However, his ability to handle the pressure of a world championship match will be crucial. Ding Liren, 32, secured his title in 2023 after a hard-fought victory against Ian Nepomniachtchi. Since then, however, Ding has reportedly faced several personal challenges and played fewer tournaments than Gukesh.
Gukesh aims to become the first Indian world champion since Viswanathan Anand in 2012. His qualification for the Candidates Tournament last December marked a significant step on his path to the world championship, where he sensationally defeated top contenders such as Caruana and Nakamura to secure his place in the final. His crucial role in India’s gold medal win at the recent Chess Olympiad in Budapest further solidified his reputation.
Statistically, Gukesh holds the edge, having gained 37 rating points since last November, while Ding Liren lost 52. Their previous encounters saw Ding win two classical games, and one ending in a draw.
The match will follow a time control of 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves, and 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with an additional 30 seconds added per move from move 61. Draws cannot be agreed before move 41. The winner will be the first to reach 7.5 points, with a tiebreaker to be used if the score is tied after 14 games. The matches will be streamed live on the FIDE YouTube channel starting at 2:30 PM.
First Piper 