World Chess Championship: Ding bounces back in Game 12 to tie scores
A day after suffering what seemed to be a crushing loss, defending champion Ding Liren beat Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju in Game 12 of the World Chess Championship in Singapore, tying the score at six points each.
With only two more games left in the classical format before the tie-break, Ding’s win has sparked a new life into the contest.
Interestingly, Ding had won Game 12 of his last World Chess Championship match against Ian Nepomniachtchi last year in similar circumstances, trailing by a point after Game 11. Ding eventually won the title through the tie-break, which is played in the rapid format.
Playing with white today, Ding pushed Gukesh’s pieces in the English Opening (1.c4), leaving the Indian cramped for space on the board. The Chinese GM seemed so confident with his position that he even yawned — the first player to do so in this match! — while Gukesh was contemplating his 17th move. He also stretched himself leisurely in his chair while his opponent racked his brains to find the right moves.
Apparently, Ding had spent the previous night working to perfect his strategy as he had been pushed to a corner.
At some points today, the position on the board was similar to yesterday’s game in which Gukesh, playing with white, had dominant advanced pawns and a white fianchetto bishop breathing fire, supported by the queen. It was Ding, playing with white, who enjoyed the domination today.
Asked about the secret of his resilience and aggressive play today, Ding, wearing his inimitable smile, said he had coffee before the game. He also thanked his second, Richard Rapport. “Rapport sent me a file with the name ‘Strike Back’ and it happened,” said Ding.
The seconds are top-ranking players who help top stars strategise in big tournament such as the World Championship. Gukesh has not disclosed the names of his seconds, though there have been references to the influence of Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi on his preparation.
Chess App TakeTakeTake termed the victory significant, calling it ‘King Ding Strikes Back’. It said Ding took a cue from Gukesh’s opening yesterday, eventually winning with a rook sacrifice in 39 moves.
In the post-match media briefing, Ding disagreed with the commentators' assessments that he had been passive in the earlier matches. Asked why he produces amazing chess when trailing in a match, and accused of not pushing for a win in the seven drawn games in which he had clear chances, he said, “In earlier games, there was no clear victory. I could have lost too. Today, I had no way to retreat. I had to push for a win. I think I just played a very good game and found some good moves. I think there was no chance to spoil such a good position.”
Gukesh put up a brave face, saying he was more focused on playing good chess than on wins or losses. “Of course, I am disappointed with the loss, but the scores are tied and it is good that it is a rest day tomorrow,” said the Indian teenager.
The players will now meet on Wednesday, when Gukesh will have white piece in Game 13. It remains to be seen if he will again go with the Reti Opening or spring a surprise on Ding.
