Indian grandmaster D. Gukesh is surely getting Rs. 1.69 crore in prize money at the undergoing World Chess Championship. This happened after a win in the third round. The match, held in Singapore, has tied the scores at 1.5-1.5, with 11 games still to go in the 14-game classical format. The same amount was earned by defending champion Ding Liren for his first-round win. This monetary boost, coupled with his on-board performance, gives Gukesh a psychological edge heading into the fourth round on Friday.
The three tough games
Gukesh and his Chinese Rival Din Liren has played a total of three games now. Both won 1:1 game and draw one game in the Championship so far.
- The championship began with Ding Liren claiming the opener, where Gukesh struggled in a complicated middle game. Despite the setback, the young Indian took solace in the success of his pre-game preparation.
- In the second game, Gukesh equalised effortlessly with the black pieces in an Italian opening. The match ended in just 23 moves, showcasing Gukesh’s solid defensive play and earning him respect for his precision.
- The third round, however, was where Gukesh truly shone. Playing with the white pieces, he utilised a French defense strategy that put Liren under immense time pressure. The Chinese champion faltered on his 18th move, missing an equalising opportunity due to the sustained pressure applied by Gukesh.
Psychological edge for Gukesh
Ding Liren now faces a more confident Gukesh, who seems to have overcome initial nerves. “Gukesh has clearly shown better preparation,” noted experts after the third game, emphasising Liren’s struggle with calculation errors.
As the battle resumes in the fourth round, a cautious approach is expected from Ding, who will likely aim to avoid further slip-ups. With momentum on his side, Gukesh is poised to challenge the defending champion for the ultimate chess crown. The World Chess Championship 2024 is far from over, and fans eagerly await the unfolding drama in Singapore.
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