Mon Dec 09 14:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Ding Liren Levels World Chess Championship Score After Dominant Win
**Singapore** – Ding Liren roared back from a demoralizing defeat in game 11 to decisively win game 12 of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship against D Gukesh, leveling the score at 6-6. The defending champion employed a masterful display of accurate play, overcoming an initially even game to secure a victory with white.
The match, which saw Ding utilize the English opening and Gukesh employ the Agincourt defense (morphing into the Neo-Catalan), became a positional battle of attrition. A key moment arrived around move 18 when Ding, after considerable deliberation, advanced his pawn to d4, gaining a significant advantage confirmed by chess engines. Further inaccuracies from Gukesh, particularly on move 22, allowed Ding to steadily increase his pressure.
Despite Gukesh’s valiant efforts, Ding’s precise play proved insurmountable. By move 40, Ding held a two-pawn advantage, forcing Gukesh’s resignation on move 39. The Indian challenger showed visible dejection after the match.
In post-game interviews, Gukesh acknowledged his struggles after move 17, stating he felt uncomfortable and unsure of his plan. He remained optimistic about the remaining two games, emphasizing that the tie score gives him a fair chance.
In contrast, Ding expressed relief and satisfaction, attributing his win to a good night’s sleep, a pre-game coffee, and encouraging messages from his team, including a file from Richard Rapport titled “Strike Back!” He highlighted the superior quality of his play in game 12 compared to his previous win.
The championship now enters a rest day before the final two games, which will determine the winner. A win for either player will likely secure the title, unless the match again ends in a tie, leading to tie-breakers. Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand commented on the need for rest, stating both players would benefit from the break after the emotional rollercoaster of the last few games.
First Piper 