Ding Stuns Gukesh to Win Game 1 of the 2024 World Chess Championship
The much-anticipated 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship kicked off in Singapore, with reigning World Champion Ding Liren clashing against India’s rising prodigy, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju. In a thrilling opening game, Ding secured his first classical win in nearly a year, taking an early lead in what promises to be an intense 14-game showdown. Here’s a recap of the remarkable Game 1 and what lies ahead.
A Bold Start: Ding’s French Defense Surprise
Ding’s Opening Gamble Ding Liren chose the French Defense, a rare and aggressive choice that immediately set the tone for the match. Known for his versatility, Ding hadn’t played this opening since his 2023 World Championship face-off against Ian Nepomniachtchi. The move was as strategic as it was unexpected: by playing an opening he seldom uses, Ding forced Gukesh into less familiar territory, aiming to exploit potential first-game nerves.
Ding explained his approach afterward: “Because it’s the first game I think [Gukesh] might get nervous at the start of the match, so I tried to play something unusual, which I haven’t played for a long time, and it turned out to work perfectly”
Gukesh’s Response and Early Advantage Unfazed by Ding’s opening choice, Gukesh responded assertively. He introduced an innovative line by advancing 6.Nce2, quickly gaining the upper hand and pushing Ding into a lengthy think. Gukesh’s move 10.g4 was especially bold, putting Ding in a difficult position, both tactically and on the clock. This attacking play showcased the confidence and skill that earned Gukesh his spot in this year’s championship
Ding’s Tactical Resurgence As the game progressed, Ding slowly reclaimed control. Despite slipping 52 minutes behind on the clock, Ding seized his moment when Gukesh spent 33 minutes on the seemingly natural move 17.Qe2. Ding responded with a powerful 17…Nxd4, a move that caught Gukesh off guard and disrupted his momentum. Gukesh made his first critical error by capturing with his knight rather than the bishop, allowing Ding to launch a counterattack with 18…Nb2
Building Pressure on the Clock and Board In a clear display of his experience, Ding accelerated his play, placing time pressure on his young opponent. “I just moved the pieces very quickly, to give him the pressure not only on the board but on the clock,” Ding commented after the game
. The pace shift forced Gukesh into multiple tactical oversights, the most significant being his 22.Qe1 move, which allowed Ding Liren to deliver a winning blow with 22…Bg5.
The Critical Endgame Sequence
Missed Opportunities for Gukesh One of the most dramatic moments came late in the game when both players overlooked a stunning tactic. After 30.Bc5, Ding could have exploited Gukesh’s weakened position with the counter-intuitive but brilliant 31.Qxh7. Despite this missed opportunity, Ding remained steady, while Gukesh found himself down to just seconds on the clock. This timing issue ultimately forced Gukesh into an endgame with little hope of recovery
Ding’s Precision in the Final Moves As Gukesh scrambled to reach the time control, Ding played with remarkable composure. His critical move, 34…e5, sealed the game. While Gukesh reached move 40 just in time to gain an additional 30 minutes, his position was irreparably compromised. Ding’s performance in these final moves was flawless, drawing praise from commentators who noted his “tiger-like” precision and timing.
Game 1: An Indicator of What’s to Come?
What This Victory Means for Ding Liren
For Ding, this victory is monumental. Having not won a classical game in 304 days, he now leads the World Championship for the first time, giving him a psychological edge. Ding acknowledged his excitement, stating, “I haven’t won a single classical game for a long time and I managed to do that!”
. His approach to the next game remains undecided, but with the lead in hand, he has the luxury of building upon this initial success.
Gukesh’s Resilience and Determination
Despite the loss, Gukesh showed resilience and poise. As the youngest player ever to challenge for the World Championship title, Gukesh’s fearless play and willingness to push Ding demonstrate his readiness for the rigors of this 14-game match. Reflecting on his setback, he remarked, “It can happen; it’s a long match… so it’s only more exciting now!”
. Gukesh will now prepare to face Ding with the black pieces in Game 2, hoping to even the score.
What’s Next: Game 2 and Beyond
The 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship continues with Game 2 on November 26 at 4:00 a.m. ET. This second game will be critical for both players: Ding has a chance to extend his lead, while Gukesh will aim to strike back and level the match. Fans can catch the action live on Chess.com/TV and other major streaming platforms
With both players setting high stakes in this historic face-off, the coming games promise excitement, intensity, and the highest level of chess skill. Whether Ding can maintain his lead or Gukesh can mount a comeback, the chess world is in for a thrilling championship season.
