Ding Liren and Gukesh Dommaraju battled to their third consecutive draw in the sixth game of the World Chess Championship in Singapore. The game, lasting 46 moves and over four hours, was marked by strategic depth and bold decisions, showcasing the resilience and preparation of both players.
Ding, the reigning world champion, began the game with 1. d4, employing the London System, a solid and popular choice. This move, also seen in his previous title match, led to structural imbalances early as Ding doubled Gukesh’s pawns on the c-file. The opening phase demonstrated both players’ deep preparation, as they blitzed through the initial moves to navigate a sharp middlegame. Gukesh gained material but faced challenges from Ding’s centralized pieces and potential counterplay.
The 18-year-old challenger displayed a fighting spirit by refusing an early draw. In a moment that drew audible reactions from spectators, Gukesh declined a threefold repetition with 26…Qh4!? instead of accepting equality with Qe7. Explaining his decision, he stated, “I just thought I always have counterplay and I saw no reason to take [a draw] now. I wanted to make a few more moves and see what happens.”
As the game progressed, time pressure loomed. Ding, seeking simplification, exchanged queens with 34.Qc2!?, a move that seemingly let go of his advantage. The resulting rook endgame was balanced, with neither player finding a way to break through. After navigating precise defensive moves, the players eventually settled for a draw by repetition, concluding the tense encounter.
The match remains evenly poised at 3-3 after six games. This championship, which features a best-of-14 format, continues to deliver drama and intrigue. The event is not only a battle for the title but also a significant moment in chess history, with Gukesh being the youngest-ever world championship challenger. At just 18, he has the opportunity to surpass Garry Kasparov’s record as the youngest undisputed champion, set when Kasparov defeated Anatoly Karpov at age 22.
Ding’s journey to the title defense has been tumultuous. Entering the championship with a 28-game winless streak, his form had been under scrutiny. However, he surprised many with a commanding victory as Black in the opening game, ending a nearly year-long drought. Gukesh, undeterred by the early setback, responded with a win in Game 3, equalizing the score. The other games have been tightly contested, with no decisive results in Games 2, 4, 5, and 6.
The challenger reflected on his performance, noting areas for improvement but expressing satisfaction with the balance of the match so far. “There are a lot more games to try and improve,” he remarked. “Considering that I was also trailing after the first game, I’m happy to be here. But it’s too early to think about anything like that. We are not even halfway through the event.”
The stakes are high as the players compete for the $2.5 million prize and the title of World Chess Champion. With Monday designated as a rest day, the competitors will have time to analyze and recalibrate their strategies for the upcoming games. Whoever reaches seven and a half points first will emerge as the champion. The contest is set to continue in the vibrant setting of the Equarius Hotel at Resorts World Sentosa, adding an atmospheric backdrop to the cerebral battle unfolding on the chessboard.
