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Ding’s resolve would triumph as Gukesh was forced into a frustrating draw, as both players go into Game 14 tomorrow tied at 6.5 points each, and everything to play for.
D Gukesh is aiming to become the youngest to win the championship. (FIDE)
It was a slogfest that spanned over 60 moves. But, defending champion Ding Liren found his resolve and battled from behind to secure a hard-fought draw against D Gukesh as Game 13 of the World Chess Championship went down to the wire.
Gukesh came in with a renewed lease of life, taking white pieces this time and leading the charge, as he stunned everyone with a novel opening, one even Stockfish’s Master Database couldn’t recognise.
“As the games get closer, there’s more at stake. I came for a fight, feeling fresh and confident. I had some new ideas prepared and I was excited to play them,” exclaimed Gukesh at the post-match presser.
Ding was fighting against the clock, in typical fashion across this match, but yet again continued to deny the young Indian any advances through his defense.
Ultimately, the Chinese GM’s resolve would triumph as Gukesh would be forced into a frustrating draw, as both players go into Game 14 tomorrow tied at 6.5 points each, and everything to play for.
“13 games in a World Championship has been a tiring challenge. It’s kind of fitting that the match has been so close, because we both have showed a lot of fighting spirit and played some entertaining chess. But, my approach will be to be in my best shape and to enjoy the experience,” stated a composed Gukesh.
“Every chess player wants to be in the position and experience this in their career. So regardless of the result tomorrow, I’ll enjoy the ride and the experience.”
Now, to clinch the championship, either player will need to muster nothing short of a win over the other. But, in the case that both players end up drawing Game 14 as well, then we enter a tiebreak where a series of Rapid games, four games to be specific, will commence to decide the champion.