World Chess Championship: Gukesh and Ding Locked in Thrilling Deadlock Ahead of Final Encounter

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Ding Liren and Gukesh managed another stalemate in the Match 13 of the World Chess Championship.

The current world champion, GM Ding Liren from China, was on the verge of losing this afternoon. A mixture of excellent defensive skills combined with a lot of good luck and the outcome was much better than anyone anticipated.

"I was confused with my opponents opening move order. He tricked me with his idea of delaying f4" explained Ding in the press conference." I also missed his excellent moves 19.Qe2 and 22.Bf4. He was able to gradually improve his position".

The challenger, Gukesh D from India, missed a key defensive idea. "I thought I played quite a good game. When I played 31.Ne4 I missed his defence idea with 31...Rf8 and 32...Rc7. My initial intention was to exchange rooks first and only then Ne4, which should be winning" he explained after the game.

"I don't think you will see a short draw tomorrow" were Ding's final words before joining his team to prepare the most important game of the year.

After thirteen of the fourteen scheduled classical games, the match is tied 6.5 - 6.5. The final classical game will be played on Thursday, December 12th at 5 PM local time in Singapore. Ding Liren will play White. If the game ends in a draw, the rapid tiebreaks will be held on Friday (December 13) at 5 PM.

Ding Liren or Gukesh will have to secure a victory to win the Chess Championship as it is going to be a virtual final for both the players.