Singapore, Dec 10: Indian challenger D Gukesh lost the 12th game against defending champion Ding Liren of China to allow his opponent bounce back and level the World Chess Championship match on six points each here on Monday.The 18-year-old Gukesh was ahead by one point after he notched his second win of the match on Sunday, which came after seven consecutive draws, but Liren’s win on Monday brought the things on an even keel.
The two players are now tied at 6 points each with just two games left in the 14-round classical format match, still shy of 1.5 points in order to win the title.
If a tied result happens after 14 rounds, there will be games under faster time control to determine the winner.
The remaining two games will be played on Wednesday and Thursday, after rest day on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old Liren had won the opening game before Gukesh emerged victorious in the third game. The second, and the fourth to 10th games were drawn.
“This game is a bit of a disappointment. Luckily I have a rest day tomorrow, I will just try to play good games,” Gukesh said after losing the 12th game.
The Indian teenager though said he and the defending champion are displaying quality chess in the second half of the match.
“In the second half I had chances in many games. Today was a bad game, I won’t draw too much out of it, we both are playing better than the first half but I think I had more chances in the second half.
Speaking about the game in general, Gukesh said he thought he was okay,
“I was comfortable after the opening but then after his 16th move I was not sureā. not happy with his 17th move the Indian said it was just a āmistakeā.
Speaking about his new opening choice, a reverse Benonin, Gukesh said, “I was prepared for a few moves, I didn’t really exactly remember all the details, but I was aware of this position.”
Speaking about the new match situation that puts both Liren and him on six points apiece, the Indian said, “Obviously it’s not pleasant to lose this game. Yesterday also it could have gone either way. At least the scores are still tied, there are two more games remaining, so letās see.”