India’s D Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in Game 11 of the 2024 World Chess Championship final on Sunday in Singapore. Playing with the white pieces, Gukesh secured his second win of the final, taking the lead for the first time. Now, he only needs to draw the remaining three games to become the youngest world chess champion.
The match began with a Reti Opening system. Early on, Ding spent nearly 40 minutes deciding his fifth move, while Gukesh later took over an hour for his 11th. Both players appeared cautious, calculating every possibility.
However, the game’s turning point came with Ding’s 28th move. Dragging his queen to C8, the Chinese Grand Master made a crucial mistake. Gukesh seized the opportunity, forcing Ding to resign immediately. This slip marked a dramatic shift in the match, handing the Indian Grand Master a critical victory.
This victory highlights Gukesh’s calm under pressure and tactical brilliance. His consistent performance throughout the championship has drawn global admiration. Meanwhile, Ding, known for his resilience, faces mounting pressure as the final approaches its conclusion.
As the competition narrows to its final three rounds, chess enthusiasts worldwide are closely watching Gukesh’s historic campaign. If he maintains his lead, Gukesh will etch his name in the annals of chess history as the youngest world champion.
