Indian chess grandmaster D. Gukesh made an impressive statement in the ongoing World Chess Championship, drawing Game 4 against China's reigning World Champion, Ding Liren, on November 29, 2024, in Singapore. The game ended in a draw after 42 moves, with Gukesh, playing with the black pieces, showing remarkable composure and tactical skill to recover from a shaky start. This draw resulted in the match being tied at 2-2 after four games, keeping the suspense and tension high as the series progressed. Both players have now scored 1.5 points each from their victories and draws, with each game becoming increasingly significant as they vie for the prestigious title.
The World Chess Championship is a 14-game series where the first player to reach 7.5 points will be declared the winner. For 18-year-old Gukesh, this championship holds particular significance as he has become the youngest-ever challenger for the World Chess title. Gukesh has shown resilience throughout the tournament, particularly after losing the first game. Since then, he has steadily improved, showcasing his growth as a player. Ding Liren, the 32-year-old Chinese grandmaster, took an early lead in the match with his win in Game 1, but the next few games have been a tough contest for him, especially after a surprising defeat in Game 3, where he lost on time while playing with the black pieces.
Game 4 presented a new challenge for both players. Ding, playing with the white pieces, opened the game with a set of unique moves that caught Gukesh by surprise. However, Gukesh, demonstrating strong preparation and a calm mindset, quickly settled into the game, using his time wisely. He spent a total of 22 minutes considering his third and fifth moves, both of which were crucial in ensuring that Ding's opening advantage was neutralized. Gukesh’s careful handling of the game, particularly his focus on avoiding mistakes and maximizing his chances, allowed him to hold Ding to a draw despite a difficult start.
“I had a rest day to recover from the tough loss. I am in a very good mood. I chose this opening idea trying to surprise my opponent. It worked well, not so bad,” Ding said after the match, acknowledging his strategy to surprise Gukesh. Despite his tactical novelty, Ding seemed a little disappointed that the game did not unfold as he had hoped. His cautious approach, though effective in some aspects, was not enough to secure a win.
Ding had been visibly shaken after losing Game 3, especially given that he had been in the lead with a 1.5-0.5 advantage. The loss on time had been a costly error, and it seemed to have rattled his confidence, which led him to adopt a more conservative approach in Game 4. “This round, I tried to play safe. It turns out I got a little bit of an advantage. The score is still balanced. There are more games to come,” Ding commented after the match, suggesting that he understood the importance of maintaining a level head and not overcommitting to risky plays.
With the match now level at 2-2, the tension between the two players is expected to escalate in the coming rounds. Both Gukesh and Ding are highly skilled, and the games ahead will likely be even more intense, with each player keen on seizing every opportunity. Gukesh, having demonstrated his ability to adapt and learn from previous games, will undoubtedly aim to press his advantage in the next round. Ding, on the other hand, will need to reassess his strategies, as he has shown vulnerability, especially in critical moments like losing on time in Game 3.
The fifth round, set to take place on Saturday, is crucial. With the match now at a standstill, both players are expected to come out all guns blazing, eager to break the deadlock and take control of the championship. The rest of the series will likely be marked by high-stakes battles, as each game brings both players closer to the ultimate prize. The outcome of the match remains uncertain, and fans worldwide will be eagerly watching as Gukesh and Ding continue their pursuit of the coveted World Chess Championship title.
