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Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh gave his best in the game but couldn’t surpass a determined Ding Liren from China, settling for a draw after 68 moves in the 13th and second-to-last game of the World Chess Championship on Wednesday. With the score level at 6.5-6.5 and just one classical game remaining, the match is most probably to proceed to a tiebreak stage, where shorter games will decide the champion.
As anticipated, the 18-year-old Gukesh started with the King’s pawn move and once again faced Liren’s preferred French Defense. The Chinese champion spent considerable time in the opening phase, while Gukesh introduced a fresh idea early on, but it became very obvious that White had limited chances.
In the middle of the game, the exchange of a few minor pieces gave Gukesh a slight benefit on the board. As the game continued further, it became clear that the pawn exchanges on the queenside would lead to an equal endgame.
Fully aware this could be his last opportunity with the advantageous color, Gukesh strived more, but Liren remained calm, trading pieces when wanting to reach an equal queen-plus-rook endgame.
Despite the balanced position, both players fought hard for a long time. The material shifted, and in the meantime, a queen, rook, and pawns were left on the board.
Gukesh did every possible thing to maintain pressure, even in the theoretical drawn endgame, but Liren defended expertly.
The game ended in a draw with a two-rook and 3-pawn endgame, and Gukesh continued until the position had no further scope.
Liren held his ground until final and will enter into the final game of the match as the favorite.
Gukesh remarked after the wonderful game that the championship is now entering its most critical phase.
When he was asked about his feelings with just one game remaining before the tiebreaks, Gukesh stated: “The closer the match gets, the more exciting it becomes. It’s very exciting (about the 14th game), but of course, it’s a crucial game. I’ll do my best.”
“As fewer games remain, there’s naturally more at stake. I came here to compete, and I felt fresh today, confident. I also had this cool idea prepared, so I was really looking forward to playing,” Gukesh elaborated.