FIDE World Chess Championship 2024: Gukesh Comes Back Strongly in Game 2, Draws With Ding Liren

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Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh managed to draw the second game against China's Ding Liren in the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 on Tuesday (November 26). This match followed his loss in the opening game of the 14-game series.

Playing with the black pieces, Gukesh's performance was a solid recovery, as Liren couldn't capitalise on his white pieces advantage and had to settle for a draw. 2024 FIDE World Championship: Ding Liren Triumphs Over Gukesh in opener at Singapore; Check Game Factsheet

"Draw with black in the world championship match is always nice and it's too early, we still have a long match," Gukesh stated during the post-game press conference. He expressed satisfaction with his response to Liren's opening moves, noting that he didn't allow any opportunities for his opponent. "It was a solid game with black, which is nice," he added.

Gukesh's Strategic Play

The second game ended in a draw after 23 moves, with Gukesh following basic strategies. Liren's approach was cautious, likely due to his lead from winning the first game. The match featured one of the quieter variations of the Italian opening, indicating Liren's intent to maintain his advantage without taking risks.

Liren's fifth move, involving his Queen's knight, signalled peaceful intentions. This manoeuvre has led to many draws in top-level games. The game saw both Bishops and Queens removed early, leaving each player with two Knights, two Rooks, and eight pawns, offering little chance for either side to gain a significant advantage.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

Liren previously won against Ian Nepomniachtchi by overcoming deficits three times. Reflecting on his performance in this round, Liren said he was pleased. "In the first game, I played something new in the opening and of course, it requires a lot of memory. Today I also played not a common move for me 1.e4 and I prepared a lot," he mentioned.

Gukesh is aiming to become the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand to win the world title. At 18, he is the youngest challenger for this crown. Despite pressure from representing India on such a stage, Gukesh remains focused on each game individually. He hopes for favourable outcomes as he progresses through the championship.

Game Dynamics and Championship Stakes

The draw was morale-boosting for Gukesh as he prepares for future games with optimism. In head-to-head classical games, Liren holds a three-point lead over Gukesh. Team Gukesh aims to reduce this gap in the USD 2.5 million prize money event.

The championship winner will be the first player to reach 7.5 points. Anand, who has significantly influenced Gukesh's career, held the world title five times before Magnus Carlsen took over in 2013.

The moves in this chess game were as follows:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
4. d3 Nf6
5. Nc3 a6
6. a4 d6
7. O-O h6
8. Be3 Be6
9. a5 Bxc4
10. dxc4 O-O
11. Bxc5 dxc5
12. b3 Qxd1
13. Rfxd1 Rad8
14. Rdc1 Nd4
15. Ne1 Rd6
16. Kf1 g6
17. Rd1 Rfd8
18. f3 Kg7
19. Kf2 h5
20. Ne2 Nc6
21. Nc3 Nd4
22. Ne2 Nc6
23. Nc3 Nd4

Result: The game was drawn due to a threefold repetition.