In a thrilling match for the world chess championship, China’s Ding Liren is facing off against Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju. The best-of-14-games match, with a prize fund of $2.5m (£1.98m), is tied at 6½-6½ after 13 games. The winner of today’s 14th game will claim the world title, but if it ends in a draw, tiebreak games with faster time controls will determine the champion on Friday. The absence of Magnus Carlsen, who decided not to defend his title, has cast a shadow over the championship. Ding won the vacant title last year by defeating Nepomniachtchi, but critics, including Garry Kasparov, have questioned the legitimacy of the championship without Carlsen’s involvement. Ding, known for his solid and precise playing style, is facing Gukesh, an aggressive player and the youngest ever challenger for the world championship at 17. With both players showcasing their skills in a historic match between two Asian competitors, the world chess championship is at a pivotal moment.
The match between Ding and Gukesh is not just a battle for the title but also a showcase of talent and skill on the international stage. Ding, as the defending champion, is looking to solidify his place in chess history, while Gukesh, with his aggressive playing style, is aiming to make a mark as the youngest ever undisputed world champion. As the championship nears its climax, the excitement and tension are palpable, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcome of Game 14 and the crowning of the new world chess champion.
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