In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 World Chess Championship, Ding Liren struck back against challenger Gukesh Dommaraju in Game 12, leveling the match at 6-6. The game, lasting nearly four hours, was a testament to Ding’s resilience and ability to recover from setbacks. The match was poised on a knife’s edge, with Gukesh having seized the momentum after a dramatic victory in Game 11, placing him just a step away from securing the title. However, Ding’s performance in Game 12 showed why he is the defending champion.
Ding, playing with the white pieces, began the game with the English Opening (1 c4), a strategy he had used earlier in the match. He quickly established long-term pressure with moves like g3 and Bg2, aiming to slowly suffocate Gukesh’s position. Despite falling behind on time by more than 30 minutes after his 10th move, Ding continued to build pressure. His move choices consistently forced Gukesh into uncomfortable positions, eventually leading to a crucial mistake. Gukesh, under mounting pressure and running low on time, misplayed the position and found himself in a state of zugzwang, where every move seemed to worsen his situation.
On his 17th move, Gukesh spent an excruciating 26 minutes before playing 17…Bg6, which Ding swiftly countered with 18 d4!, giving him a clear advantage. As the game progressed, Gukesh continued to make subtle errors, the most damaging being 22…Bg5?, which allowed Ding to respond with 23 Nf4, a decisive move that all but sealed the game. Ding’s ability to maintain his composure and execute precise moves under severe time pressure was remarkable, and he squeezed Gukesh’s position to the breaking point. After nearly four hours of intense play, Gukesh resigned, leaving him devastated and fighting back tears.
Ding, on the other hand, expressed satisfaction with his performance, calling it one of his best recent games. He acknowledged the pressure he had applied throughout the match, especially after his blunder in Game 11, and the importance of staying composed under time pressure. “This was the best Ding that exists,” said chess commentator Anish Giri, recognizing the high level of Ding’s play.
The emotional toll on Gukesh was evident, as he struggled to come to terms with the loss after having been in control of the match just a day earlier. “Six-all is overall the fair result, but since I was leading after yesterday, it is a bit disappointing to lose this game,” Gukesh said, referring to his earlier victory in Game 11. Despite the setback, he remained optimistic, knowing that the match was still level and two games remained to decide the world champion.
This comeback by Ding Liren comes after a remarkable run of form that has characterized his World Championship defense. Ding, who had entered the match as a significant underdog after a long winless streak in classical chess, demonstrated his mental fortitude and technical ability to level the score. His last World Championship victory in 2023 against Ian Nepomniachtchi had also been a comeback, with Ding overcoming deficits to win the title in tiebreakers despite never leading during the classical phase of the match.
For Gukesh, the loss in Game 12 was a hard blow. The 18-year-old from Chennai is vying to become the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history, a feat that has long been held by Garry Kasparov. To achieve this, he must maintain his composure in the remaining games, especially after this emotional setback. Both players will have a rest day before the competition resumes, with Gukesh having the advantage of playing with the white pieces in Game 13.
As the match stands at 6-6, the stage is set for an electrifying conclusion. The next two games could determine who will emerge as the World Chess Champion, and whether Gukesh can recover from his defeat to claim his place in history or whether Ding can continue his resilient defense of the title.
