Mon Nov 25 16:13:53 UTC 2024: ## Ding Liren Strikes First Blow in World Championship Showdown
**Singapore** – World Champion Ding Liren has taken an early lead in the 2024 FIDE World Championship against Indian challenger Gukesh Dommaraju, securing a victory in the first classical game after a 304-day drought. Despite Gukesh’s aggressive opening and an early time investment by Ding, the Chinese champion capitalized on a crucial misstep by the young Indian to seize control and clinch a win.
The match, a 14-game contest for the world title, began with Gukesh, the pre-tournament favorite, employing an attacking strategy. However, Ding, playing the French Defense, weathered the storm and ultimately emerged victorious.
Game two of the $2.5 million championship is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26th, at 4:00 a.m. ET. The match is being broadcast live with commentary by renowned chess personalities including GM Judit Polgar, GM Daniel Naroditsky, and John Sargent, with post-game analysis available on Chess.com. The first player to reach 7.5 points wins; a tie will result in a rapid chess playoff.
First Piper 