2/13/2025 – What really happened in the deciding game of the 2024 World Chess Championship? GM Miguel Illescas, Director of Ajedrez21, delves into the shocking blunder that cost Ding Liren his title. Drawing from his concept of "panic mode", Illescas explains why even elite players can freeze under pressure, making irrational moves without calculation. In this article, he presents his theory with detailed analysis and compelling examples. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

2/5/2025 – Ding Liren remains at the top of the FIDE Circuit 2025 standings, having earned 40.64 points from his world title match against Gukesh Dommaraju. Following the Tata Steel Masters, Praggnanandhaa Ramesbabu has moved into second place, while Gukesh and Nodirbek Abdusattorov follow closely behind. Other players who participated in the Wijk aan Zee event have also entered the leaderboard. With six circuit-eligible tournaments scheduled for February, the standings are expected to evolve in the coming weeks.

12/12/2024 – In a historic conclusion to the World Chess Championship in Singapore, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in the final game, becoming the youngest undisputed world chess champion in history. With this monumental victory, the title returns to India for the first time since Viswanathan Anand lost it in 2013. Gukesh's triumph, sealed after Ding blundered in a technical endgame, cements his place among chess legends. The victory also highlights India's rise as a global chess powerhouse. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

12/11/2024 – The tension in Singapore continues to mount as the World Chess Championship match heads into its final classical game with the score tied at 6.5-6.5. In a gripping 13th game, Gukesh D created significant pressure with the white pieces in a French Defence but missed critical chances to convert his advantage, allowing Ding Liren to hold a draw after 68 moves. The reigning champion showed remarkable defensive skill under time pressure, while Gukesh remained undeterred despite his missed opportunity. | Photo: FIDE / Eric Rosen

12/9/2024 – Ding Liren delivered a stunning performance in game 12 of the World Chess Championship match in Singapore, levelling the score at 6-6 against Gukesh D with two classical games remaining. The reigning champion, who described the victory as "the best game I have played in recent times", showed impeccable strategic prowess to outmanoeuvre his younger rival in 39 moves. Both players now face immense pressure as they battle for the ultimate chess crown. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

12/7/2024 – As the World Chess Championship in Singapore nears its conclusion, the tension remains palpable, with the score still tied after ten games. Saturday's cautious game 10, a 36-move draw from a London System, reflected the heightened stakes as players avoid unnecessary risks with only four classical games left. Gukesh D, the challenger, and Ding Liren, the reigning champ, are both focused on precision, knowing that a single mistake could prove decisive. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

12/5/2024 – Game 9 of the World Chess Championship in Singapore brought a more measured yet strategic encounter, ending in a draw after 54 moves. Playing with the white pieces, Gukesh D applied early pressure in a Catalan Opening, but Ding Liren's precise defence kept the balance. Gukesh, who described the game as "very precise from both sides", managed to build a lead on the clock but could not capitalise in the critical moments. With the score tied and only five games left, the match resumes on Saturday. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

12/4/2024 – The World Chess Championship in Singapore continues to thrill fans as game 8 delivered yet another dramatic encounter. Both Ding Liren and Gukesh D missed opportunities to secure a crucial win, with the game ultimately ending in a hard-fought 51-move draw. Gukesh introduced a prepared novelty, gaining an early advantage, but Ding's resourcefulness turned the tables. Despite a tense battle featuring bold strategies and critical time pressure, neither contender could break the deadlock. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

12/3/2024 – The World Chess Championship in Singapore reached its halfway point with a gripping game 7, as Ding Liren and Gukesh D battled for over five hours in the most thrilling draw of the match so far. Gukesh dominated early with excellent preparation, gaining a clear advantage, but missed a major chance to secure victory. Ding's resilience and endgame expertise salvaged a draw, despite a critical error in time trouble. As the score remains tied, both players face back-to-back games ahead, with nerves and strategy likely to play a decisive role in the second half of this tense showdown. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

12/1/2024 – The World Chess Championship in Singapore continues to thrill, with game 6 delivering another intense and closely contested draw. Ding Liren’s choice of the London System and strong preparation put early pressure on Gukesh D, but the young challenger’s resourceful play neutralised the reigning champion’s advantage. A surprising decision by Gukesh to avoid a draw repetition added intrigue, as both players navigated the complexities of a double-rook endgame with precision. As the match enters its second rest day, the score remains tied, with game 7 set to resume the action on Tuesday. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

11/25/2024 – If you are a Gukesh fan, this image illustrates not only his feelings of dismay and disbelief after the opening loss, but yours as well. If you were rooting for Ding, then euphoric cheering and fist pumping are likely yours. Regardless, the lengthy history of the World Championship in chess has seen more than one such that ended in redemption for the early loser. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

11/25/2024 – The World Chess Championship in Singapore began with a bang as reigning champion Ding Liren delivered a stunning victory over 18-year-old challenger Gukesh D in game 1. Despite entering the match as an underdog, Ding's bold strategy and strategic brilliance with the black pieces earned him an early lead. While the young Indian prodigy struggled with nerves, his resilience and steady rise suggest he is far from out of contention. | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An