A Five-Hour Marathon Pushes Both Players to Their Limits
The 2024 World Chess Championship witnessed its most dramatic encounter yet as defending champion Ding Liren and teenage prodigy D Gukesh fought tooth and nail for over five hours in Game 7. At the end of 72 nerve-wracking moves, Ding managed to salvage a draw, defying a precarious position that had him teetering on the edge of defeat. This gripping match keeps the championship at a deadlock, with both players tied at 3.5 points each in the best-of-14-game series.
For much of the game, Ding was on the defensive, grappling with unexpected threats and navigating the brink of disaster. Gukesh, showcasing his tactical sharpness and meticulous preparation, kept Ding scrambling for solutions. Yet, in a display of sheer grit and resilience, the world champion managed to claw his way back to split the point.
A Shocking Move Shakes Ding Early
The game’s drama began early, with Gukesh delivering a jolt of innovation in the opening. His move, 7.Re1, sidestepped conventional play and put Ding on the back foot. Returning to the board after a brief break, Ding was visibly stunned by the novelty. It took him 28 minutes to respond with 7…dxc4, an uncharacteristic hesitation from the usually well-prepared champion.
“I was totally shocked,” Ding admitted later. “That’s why I spent so much time on my response.”
The psychological impact of the move was evident as Ding struggled to find his rhythm. Gukesh capitalized on the moment, pressing Ding with a series of sharp moves that forced the Chinese star into uncomfortable positions.
Queen Traps and Missed Opportunities
Midway through the game, Ding’s queen found itself isolated behind enemy lines, floundering like a “beached whale.” For nearly a dozen moves, it shuffled aimlessly, unable to contribute meaningfully to the game. Gukesh appeared to have the upper hand, but a critical moment saw him let Ding off the hook.
On move 32, Gukesh chose 32.Qxf5, capturing Ding’s queen outright, rather than 32.Bg5, which the computer indicated would have offered a significant advantage. The queen trade defused much of Gukesh’s momentum and allowed Ding to stabilize his position.
“Before and even after the queen exchange, I thought I should be winning,” Gukesh reflected, acknowledging the missed opportunity.
Ding’s Fight Against Time
Adding to the tension was Ding’s battle against the clock. As the game approached the 40-move mark, he was dangerously close to losing on time, with just seven seconds remaining when he made his 40th move. That move—40…Ke5—was later revealed to be a blunder, with the more accurate 40…Nc8-b6 offering better chances to hold.
Despite these struggles, Ding’s determination shone through. “I was beaten many times today—in the opening, in the middle game,” Ding said. “But maybe the position was not so bad. I need to trust my moves more. Today’s game was an absolute rollercoaster.”
Gukesh’s Inaccuracies Seal the Draw
Though Gukesh was in control for much of the game, a pair of late inaccuracies allowed Ding to escape. Moves like 44.Ke1 and 46.Bd1, instead of the computer-recommended 44.Ra6 and 46.Ke2, diluted Gukesh’s advantage. These small missteps, compounded by Ding’s resourcefulness, ensured that the game ended in a draw.
For Gukesh, the result was bittersweet. He had the world champion on the ropes but couldn’t deliver the decisive blow. Yet, he remained composed, recognizing the value of the experience in such high-stakes matches.
Championship at a Critical Juncture
With seven games in the books, the World Chess Championship is delicately poised. The second half of the series promises even more intense battles as both players vie for the title. For Ding, the ability to salvage a draw in such dire circumstances reinforces his reputation as a resilient fighter. For Gukesh, the match is a testament to his meteoric rise and his ability to challenge the best in the world.
As the contest progresses, chess fans can expect more moments of brilliance, nail-biting tension, and the unyielding pursuit of victory from these two gladiators of the chessboard.
