World Chess C'ship: Gukesh delighted after win over Ding Liren in Game 3

In a thrilling encounter at the World Chess Championship, young Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh pulled off a victory against defending champion Ding Liren, leveling the score in the process.

The 18-year-old, who became the youngest-ever challenger for the prestigious title, triumphed in the third game of the series on Wednesday, drawing level after his opening-round loss.

The match, which saw Liren lose on time after 37 moves, came after the two had played a draw in the second game.

Following the win, Gukesh expressed his joy, saying, "It feels great. I am quite happy, also the last two days I was happy with my play, today was even better. I felt good on the board and I managed to outplay my opponent, which is always very nice."

The victory was especially significant for Gukesh as it wiped out the deficit from his initial defeat.

He credited some important decisions, including his opening choices, for helping him gain an advantage.

"I was prepared until the 13th move, I guess he was trying to remember something but maybe he mixed up. I thought the way he reacted was not the most precise way, and then I think I just got a very nice position," he explained.

The turning point came on the 18th move when Ding made a positional error that Gukesh seized upon.

"I think I underestimated that move and thought I should be good, now that I am seeing it, it all looks a bit shaky," Gukesh said.

Liren himself acknowledged the mistake, revealing that he had completely missed white's 23rd move.

The win comes ahead of Thursday’s scheduled rest day, which both players will use to recharge.

Gukesh also reflected on his first-round defeat, attributing it to nerves. "Even (former World Champion) Magnus (Carlsen) in his first World Championship wasn’t at his best at the start. I think it’s a very normal reaction, and I was okay with that," he said.

He further added "It was a bad game, but I was generally feeling good. I thought even though I was nervous, it wasn’t too much to handle. I felt good; it was a bad game, but I always knew once I settle in, I will get back my rhythm."

The series now stands at 1.5-1.5, with the next game set for Friday, where Liren will have the white pieces.