FIDE World Championship Game 14: Gukesh D crowned 18th World Champion

Full report coming shortly

18-year-old Indian prodigy Gukesh D is the new FIDE World Champion and the 18th in the line of champions, the youngest ever in history.

In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, when it seemed that the final game was heading for a draw and tiebreaks were unavoidable, the champion Ding Liren made a huge mistake and capitulated three moves later. The final result of the match is 7.5-6.5 for the challenger.

“I was totally in shock when I realized I made a blunder,” Ding admitted in the post-game press conference.

Gukesh couldn’t believe his eyes when Ding Liren blundered with 55.Rf2??: “At the first moment, I didn’t see that I was winning. When I realized that I was winning it was the best moment of my life.”

55. Rf2?? (55. Ra4! and White holds) 55…Rxf2 56. Kxf2 Bd5! 57. Bxd5 Kxd5 58. Ke3 Ke5. Ding resigned as the pawn ending is hopeless for White 0-1

Ding Liren painfully acknowledged his loss: “I think I played my best tournament of the year. It could be better, but considering yesterday’s lucky survive, it’s a fair result to lose in the end. I have no regrets.”

For Gukesh this victory became the culmination of his lifelong dream. “Since I was seven, I have been living this moment, already for ten years. Every chess player wants to experiment this moment and doesn’t get the chance. I am living my dream,” said the elated new World Champion.

FACT SHEET, Game 14, FIDE World Championship:

White: Ding Liren
Black: Gukesh D
Result: 0-1
Game length: 58 moves
Opening: Zukertort Opening
Variation: Reversed Grunfeld
Match score: 7.5–6.5 (for Gukesh D)

Written by IM Michael Rahal (Singapore)

Photos: Eng Chin An, Maria Emelianova and Singapore Open

Official website: worldchampionship.fide.com/

Full programme of side-events: worldchampionship.fide.com/events

About the event

Current World Champion Ding Liren, representing China, and challenger Gukesh D, from India, face each other in a fourteen-game classical chess match. The player who scores 7.5 points or more will win the match, picking up the better part of the $2.5 million total prize fund.

The first of the fourteen scheduled games took place on Monday, November 25 at 5 pm with Gukesh opening with White. Hosted at the luxurious Resorts World Sentosa the match is broadcast live with expert commentary on the FIDE YouTube Channel.