Last Updated:
Gukesh, who was under immense pressure from the clock early in the game, clawed his way back into the game to earn his first points of the championship clash.
D Gukesh in action at the World Chess Championship (X)
It was a short but fairly sweet affair for D Gukesh at Singapore today as the Indian GM drew with defending champion Ding Liren to salvage half-a-point for himself in Game 2 of the World Chess Championship on Tuesday.
Liren leads the overall score in the final with 1.5 points to his name at the end of two games in the best-of-14-game series, while Gukesh got off the mark with the draw to notch up 0.5 points.
In sharp contrast to the opening game of the summit clash, which Liren ended up winning following Gukesh’s resignation, the second game was a rather balanced affair on the board.
“To draw with Black in a World Championship match is a good result. There’s still a long way to go with the match, so we’ll see how it goes,” stated D Gukesh at the post-game presser.
“I think after being surprised in the opening, I recovered pretty decently. I think I played well and I found the draw. “
ALSO READ| World Chess Championship 2024: D Gukesh And Ding Liren Share Spoils In Game 2
Gukesh was put under immense pressure from the clock early in the game as he fell nearly 50 minutes behind after seven moves but clawed his way back with a diplomatic approach to the game to earn his first points of the championship clash.
Thr outcome today followed a disappointing loss for the young Indian yesterday, where Liren turned the tables on Gukesh, who took the early advantage, to stump the 18-year-old GM and draw first blood in the Championship.
ALSO READ| World Chess Championship 2024: Ding Liren Seizes Advantage As D Gukesh Resigns in Game 1
“We all knew that losing is a part of the game. So, it wasn’t a shock. We were prepared and we are sticking to the plan,” reinstated Gukesh.
“I just wanted to play a good game. With black especially, early in the game I wasn’t in a good position. So, I wanted to play safe and do well.”
Representing a country of 1.4 billion people comes with quite some pressure. Add to it being the youngest-ever Challenger at 18 years of age, the expectations on Gukesh were sky high. But, the young Indian GM remains unfazed and has his sights set on giving it his all.
“There’s a lot of pressure. But, I also see it as a privilege that I can represent so many people and my country. So, I’m happy to be here and I’m trying to do my best to win.”