GUKESH TO CLINCH CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY IN FINAL FACEOFF AGAINST DINING
New Delhi: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh and Chinese defending champion Ding Liren are set for a thrilling finale in the World Chess Championship, with the 18-year-old challenger seeking to etch his name into history on Thursday.
The two remaining contenders are locked at 6.5 points each, with only one more win required by either player to claim the coveted title. The last game of the tournament sees Ding Liren taking on Gukesh with white, and many eyeing it as a crucial decider in their fight.
Gukesh, who has been performing steadily throughout the tournament despite his age, will need all his skills and experience to outmaneuver the seasoned Chinese player. The two Grandmasters have already played nine games, with Gukesh leading 6-5 before Ding Liren shocked him with a draw in their penultimate encounter.
However, Gukesh bounced back strongly by winning the 11th game to take a two-game lead over his opponent. He took advantage of several blunders made by Ding Liren to secure a crucial win and climb closer to claiming the championship.
If Thursday's game ends in another draw, there is an option for a tie-breaker round where the players participate in a series of mini-matches and playoffs.
According to World Chess Championship rules, if the final match also results in a draw, a tie-breaker phase will be initiated on Friday. This involves a four-game mini-match playoff with limited time controls for each player.
More details about the world-record tiebreaker format explained below:
Tiebreaker Rules:
- World Chess Championship is a best-14 of tournament where match draws and decides a winner.
- It takes place if the final game ends in draw, players must participate in playoffs to determine the new champion.
- In event of tie, a two phase playoff will be played between players.