Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh showed remarkable resilience and mental fortitude on November 26, 2024, bouncing back from a challenging start in the World Chess Championship. After being defeated in the opening game of the match, Gukesh managed to hold his ground and draw Game 2 against defending champion Ding Liren, despite playing with black pieces. The game ended in a threefold repetition, a situation where the same position is repeated three times during the course of the match, and this allowed Gukesh to claim a much-needed draw and avoid back-to-back losses.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh, the youngest-ever challenger in the history of the World Chess Championship, was visibly relieved and elated after managing to secure the draw, especially after the disappointment of the first game. The initial loss had been particularly tough for Gukesh, as it came after he squandered a significant time advantage while playing with white pieces. It was a bitter blow for the young prodigy, as Ding Liren had been struggling with form leading up to the match. In fact, Liren’s victory in the first game was his first classical win in over 300 days, making Gukesh's loss even more impactful.
In Game 2, Liren, playing with white pieces, appeared to be in no rush to press for a decisive result. He played cautiously, while Gukesh focused on the fundamentals, following a steady approach that eventually led to a draw via repetition after the 23rd move. The game had a quiet, methodical flow, and both players seemed content with a draw, given that Liren had already established a point lead in the match. It was clear that Liren, who had the advantage, didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks, while Gukesh took comfort in stabilizing the game and avoiding a second defeat.
Despite the pressure of being the youngest-ever challenger in a World Championship, Gukesh remained calm and collected. He acknowledged that there was undoubtedly pressure on him, but he also expressed that he viewed this as an incredible privilege. "There is obviously some pressure for anyone playing in a World Championship, but I also see it as a privilege that I can represent so many people and my country," said Gukesh after the game. His maturity and composure in handling the intense spotlight have been remarkable, as he has kept his focus on taking each game one at a time.
Gukesh's approach reflects the mindset of a seasoned player, as he remains positive and determined despite the high stakes. "It would be a very nice achievement if I win the match, but I am just focusing on one game at a time. Hopefully, things go my way," he added, indicating his strategy of not being overwhelmed by the enormity of the event but instead focusing on the task at hand. His performance in Game 2 demonstrated his ability to recover from setbacks, and with the pressure now shifted to Liren, Gukesh will be looking to take the next step.
As the match progresses, Gukesh will be playing with white pieces in the next game, and many expect him to come out with more aggression in an attempt to close the one-point deficit. Liren, for his part, is also preparing for a tough challenge. "I think it will be a big fight tomorrow – he’s a point down and he will have the white pieces, so I’m ready for a fight," said the defending champion, signaling his readiness to face a more aggressive Gukesh in the upcoming games.
The World Championship match between Gukesh and Liren is already shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with the young challenger determined to prove his mettle on the biggest stage in chess. With his calm demeanor, sharp chess intellect, and unwavering focus, Gukesh has demonstrated that he is a force to be reckoned with, even against the world’s best. As the championship unfolds, all eyes will be on Gukesh, who could very well make history by challenging one of the best in the game. This match has the potential to become a defining moment in the career of D Gukesh and could solidify his place among the world’s chess elite in the years to come.
