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For the second consecutive World Championship match, Ding Liren has levelled the score in game 12. Last year, he mounted a comeback against Ian Nepomniachtchi after trailing in game 7. This time, Ding bounced back right after his defeat in game 11 against Gukesh D. The world champion demonstrated poise under pressure, delivering a resounding victory. Despite past struggles with mental health, Ding's temperament shone through, as he kept his title defence alive with two classical games remaining.
The game, lasting 39 moves, saw Ding dominate once he seized the initiative, leaving Gukesh with little room for counterplay. Visibly pleased after his win, Ding remarked in the post-game press conference:
It's maybe the best game I have played in recent times.
With two classical games left, the match remains balanced at 6-6. Should the score remain tied, rapid tiebreakers on Friday will decide the champion. Many consider Ding a slight favourite in faster time controls, though the challenge posed by a highly motivated Gukesh cannot be underestimated.
Ding's success was largely attributed to his strategic mastery in the opening. Although Gukesh managed to surprise his opponent, Ding's choice to steer the game into positional waters paid dividends. In a fascinating detail, Ding revealed that his second, Richard Rapport, had sent him a file titled 'Strike back!' before the game, setting the tone for a confident performance.
A critical turning point came on move 10 when Gukesh, despite having a lead on the clock, played 10...h6
Ding described the move as "too slow" and capitalised by executing a series of subtle yet powerful moves. Gukesh later admitted he felt in deep trouble by move 17 after Ding's 17.Qd2, as the Chinese grandmaster expertly seized control of the board.
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Game 12 in progress | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An
As the game progressed, Ding continued to make precise manoeuvres that left Gukesh struggling to find counterplay. Although Gukesh avoided outright blunders, his 22...Bg5 (instead of the preferable 22...Na5) allowed Ding to strengthen his positional grip with 23.Nf4
The reigning champion built his advantage steadily, leaving his opponent with no viable responses.
By move 29, both players were under 10 minutes on the clock, but Ding already had a decisive edge. Unwavering in his technique, Ding brought the game to a stylish conclusion, with the final blow delivered via 39.Rxg7+, prompting Gukesh's resignation.
After the game, Gukesh maintained composure, stating:
Today was obviously a bad game, but I wouldn't draw too much from it. Bad games happen. [...] 6-6 is overall the fair result, but since I was leading after yesterday, it is a bit disappointing to lose this game.
With the final rest day scheduled for Tuesday, the players will resume their battle on Wednesday, with the tension at its peak.
Gukesh D, the youngest-ever challenger for the world crown | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An
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Richard Rapport and Ni Hua, part of Ding Liren's team | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An
Analysis by André Schulz
A smiling Ding Liren during the press conference | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An
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