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Thu Nov 28 12:19:29 UTC 2024: ## Gukesh Levels World Chess Championship Score After Stunning Victory Over Ding Liren
**Astana, Kazakhstan** – Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has levelled the score in the World Chess Championship 2024, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling Round 3 match on Wednesday. The victory brings the score to 1.5-1.5, with 11 games remaining in the contest for the coveted world title.
Gukesh’s win was significant on multiple fronts. A win or draw for Liren would have given him a commanding lead, as the first player to reach 7.5 points wins the championship. Furthermore, this marks Gukesh’s first-ever classical win over Liren, a crucial boost to the 18-year-old’s confidence.
The decisive moment came when Liren, playing black, ran out of time, a rare occurrence in high-stakes chess not seen since the 1993 Kasparov-Short match. Gukesh attributed his success to meticulous preparation, identifying a weakness in Liren’s response to a specific opening sequence, derived from a previous Kramnik-Erigaisi game. Liren himself acknowledged struggling to recall the earlier match, a lapse that ultimately cost him the game.
Post-match analysis highlighted a critical moment where Liren’s 18th move, Rh5, significantly weakened his position, granting Gukesh a clear advantage. Liren further admitted to missing crucial opportunities, leaving him under immense time pressure in the endgame.
The next match is scheduled for Friday, November 29th, at 2:30 PM IST. The championship remains wide open, with both players poised for a dramatic finish.
First Piper 