Young Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh made a significant leap towards the World Chess Championship title on Sunday by defeating defending champion Ding Liren in the 11th game of their match. With this victory, Gukesh now holds a 6-5 lead in the highly competitive 14-round classical format, following a series of draws.
Gukesh opened the game with a Knight move, while Liren surprised many by opting for a reverse Benoni opening, suggesting a spontaneous decision rather than a pre-planned strategy. By the fifth move, Gukesh had already gained a substantial advantage, leading by over an hour on the clock—a critical factor in high-stakes matches.
The game concluded abruptly when Liren, with only seven minutes remaining, blundered a piece on his 28th turn and resigned immediately. This marked a dramatic turn in the contest, as Liren had initially taken the lead by winning the opening game. However, Gukesh quickly equalized by winning the third game, followed by a streak of seven consecutive draws.
As the championship match progresses, the two players have now played out eight draws, setting the stage for an exciting finish with just three games left to play. Gukesh’s recent victory has intensified the competition, leaving fans eager to see how the remainder of the match unfolds.
