Chess
Gukesh on rejecting early draw against Ding Liren, 'I just like playing chess'
Teenage chess sensation D Gukesh rejected an early draw in a crucial game against Ding Liren at the World Chess Championship 2024, opting instead to test his limits in a hard-fought battle.
International tournaments must find innovative ways to pick a winner with classical chess yielding stalemates and draws. (File photo: ChessBase India)
Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh displayed his competitive spirit in the sixth game of the World Chess Championship 2024 final against defending champion Ding Liren.
The 18-year-old boldly rejected an early draw by declining a threefold repetition, extending the match in an effort to outplay his opponent.
"I just like playing chess," Gukesh said when asked about his decision to reject the draw. "It was more just the position than it was psychological. I just thought there was still a lot of play left in the position."
Despite his bold approach, the game concluded in a draw after 46 moves. Ding Liren, who won the opening game of the match, saw Gukesh level the score with a victory in the third.
The second, fourth, fifth, and sixth games have all ended in draws, leaving both players needing 4.5 more points to secure the championship title.
Ding, initially surprised by Gukesh's decision, shifted to a practical strategy by trading queens and pawns, neutralizing the potential threats.
With eight games remaining in this tightly contested final, the championship promises an exciting finish as Gukesh and Ding continue to battle for the ultimate title.
