The world of chess is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship kicked off at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, featuring the reigning champion Ding Liren of China facing off against his Indian challenger, the 18-year-old prodigy D. Gukesh. This event holds historical significance as it's the first championship match hosted in Southeast Asia since the 1978 Baguio event and marks the first time two Grandmasters from Asia are vying for the world title.
The opening ceremony was grand, attended by over 400 guests, reflecting the championship's gravity. Attendees were treated to musical performances and speeches before witnessing the ceremonial draw of colors for the first game. Gukesh drew the white pieces, indicating he would start the match with the first move, as he hoped to set the tone for the series.
Gukesh began the match with high expectations. He was considered the noteworthy favorite to win, not only because of his age but also due to his recent victory at the 2024 Candidates Tournament. Expectations were set high, with numerous chess enthusiasts globally predicting Gukesh would prove his mettle during this historic match.
Despite being the defending champion, Ding Liren was not the one most experts had their money on. He had faced challenges recently, including not winning any classical games since January, which was added pressure on him as he prepared to defend his title. Yet, there was something about the atmosphere on the day of the match—Ding looked poised and confident.
The first game saw Ding choosing the French Defense—an unusual opening for him, as he had only used it once before during his World Championship match against Ian Nepomniachtchi last year, where he suffered defeat. This decision was alarming to many, especially considering Gukesh's reputation for solidifying openings and capitalizing on opponent's weaknesses.
Initially, Gukesh appeared to be gaining the upper hand, launching swift attacks toward Ding's king side. His moves suggested confidence, and the audience felt the tension as he made rapid decisions, whereas Ding found himself spending considerable time contemplating his counter-plays.
Things took a twist, though. While Gukesh was building up his offensive, Ding's strategy shifted. He decided to push his ‘a’ pawn forward, which initially seemed like pure defense but quickly turned out to be decisive. Gukesh misstepped at a pivotal moment; his queen placement on the 22nd move contained fundamental inaccuracies, and before long, he found himself down three pawns.
With each move, the pressure ratcheted up for Gukesh. Ding seized the opportunity and pressed his advantage relentlessly, eventually forcing Gukesh to resign on the 42nd move. The match lasted over four hours, and Ding’s victory was unexpected, especially considering the historical insights—this was the first game of the championship to yield a conclusive result since 2010.
After the match, Gukesh was candid about his nerves impacting his gameplay. "For sure I was nervous... I think I was playing some good chess... and then I kind of flipped," he confessed, reflecting on his performance. On the flip side, Ding expressed satisfaction with his strategy adjustment, attributing his win partly to his ability to adapt under pressure. "I thought I was at a disadvantage initially, but then I found this idea for counter-breaks on the queen side," he explained.
Looking forward, the championship consists of 14 classical games with the first player to reach 7.5 points declared the winner. Following the opening game's surprising results, anticipation builds for the upcoming matches, where Gukesh has plenty of time to claw back and showcase his prowess.
The stakes are high not just for the players but also for the prized title and the substantial $2.5 million prize fund at stake. Ding wishes to solidify his legacy as champion, proving the doubters wrong, whereas Gukesh aims to break records as the youngest undisputed champion, surpassing even the legendary Garry Kasparov.
The broader narrative surrounding this championship also speaks volumes about the evolution of chess as it garners immense interest from younger audiences, especially following Gukesh's impressive rise through the ranks. FIDE officials emphasized their commitment to inspiring the next generation, hosting several side events targeting young players, adding layers of significance to this monumental series.
Ding and Gukesh's match is slated to continue, where each game brings with it the thrill of unpredictability intrinsic to chess. The world is watching, hearts are racing, and with it, each moment turns another page of chess history. The next game is set for Tuesday at the same venue, with Gukesh eager to bounce back from his rough start, reminiscent of previous champions who found their groove after early setbacks.
