Chess Championship Thriller: China's Liren Falls to Rising Star Gukesh
In a stunning turn of events, China's Ding Liren was defeated by the young Indian prodigy D Gukesh in the 14th round of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024, leveling the series 6-6 and setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion in Singapore. The unexpected upset has catapulted 18-year-old Gukesh into the spotlight, marking a remarkable comeback after a rocky start to the tournament.
Ding Liren's reputation took a significant hit prior to the tournament, having slipped to 23rd in the world rankings after a dismal streak of 28 classical games without a win. However, underdogs are known to delight in grand slams, and Gukesh has done just that. The Indian grandmaster has made headlines with his remarkable fighting spirit, bouncing back from a disastrous first-round defeat to carve his way through the tournament. Gukesh even took the lead in the 11th round, only to relinquish it to a responding counterattack by Liren in the next game.
The decisive game saw Gukesh level the match, after an error by Liren on the 55th move proved costly. This unexpected slip-up sparked a sequence of crushing consequences, allowing Gukesh to take control and snatch the win. This unexpected victory cements Gukesh's reputation as a rising star, and leaves many wondering if this is the beginning of his reign as the world's top chess champion. After being crowned third in the Candidates tournament earlier this year, it is precisely this tournament that would give him the title of the world championship by beating the opponent in live playoffs leading up to the game now, indicating that his hard work has ultimately paid off.
The action is far from over, with two remaining games on the docket before the current tiebreaker status is determined. As the stage is set for the penultimate showdown, fans and pundits alike remain captivated by Gukesh's ascension to the chess pedestal. Will this prop forward or ruin others? Only the next two games will reveal the next levels in the championship, albeit post-airfasuru tun partial status.
