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FIDE World Chess Championship: Gukesh Misses Chances, Ding Turns Tables As Most Exciting Game Ends In A Draw (Ld)

By IANS News December 04, 2024 • 23:06 PM View: 287

Resorts World Sentosa: For the second game in a row, India's D. Gukesh failed to capitalise on a big advantage and landed in an inferior position as Game 8 ended in a draw with reigning champion Ding Liren of China defending stoutly and brilliantly to turn things around in an edge-of-the-seat roller-coaster at the Resorts World Sentosa here on Wednesday.

It was a struggle all the way through in a game that will go down in history as being one of the most exciting of all time. It was a fight with alternatives for both players, which finally ended in a draw after the challenger rejected once again a draw by threefold repetition.

At one time, Gukesh, playing with black pieces, had a big advantage in position and time and the Chinese player looked on his way to defeat, just like in Game 7 on Tuesday, but came up with a risky plan and grabbed the advantage. He offered a draw by repetition of moves despite having a slight advantage but the 18-year-old Indian courageously rejected the offer. The game eventually ended in a draw after more than four-and-half hours thrilling action that lasted 51 moves.