CM R12: Ding ressucité | ChessBase

09/12/2024 – Yesterday’s crushing defeat set Ding Liren free! He led the way in all aspects of the game, from time management, concentrating on the essential moments, to releasing his shots without dithering, as has been the case up to now. The power of his domination is demonstrated by the fact that Gukesh made no major mistakes. He was simply submerged strategically in a position that may have seemed solid for Black, but was in fact not so solid when the opponent had the knife between his teeth, for now obliged to win, he knew how to seize and make the most of the tiny advantage it concealed. At the end of the game, Ding would say “This is my best game in a long time!” And indeed, without doubt the first truly great game from start to finish that he has been able to play since his victory in the last World Championship against Nepo! Will the Chinese champion stay in the same mood, with the score level again? Will Gukesh play all in with the Whites on Wednesday, after the rest day? It’s likely that the final stretch of this World Championship will be full of surprises and excitement, just as it was in 2023! Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An.