Find below expert video analysis by IM Robert Ris.
Gukesh D, the youngest challenger in World Championship history, delivered a commanding victory with the white pieces in game 3 to level the score against reigning champion Ding Liren. Heading into the first rest day, this result marks a critical psychological boost for Gukesh, especially after his painful loss in the opening game. The pre-match favourite has regained momentum, but Ding will have the advantage of playing with the white pieces in two of the next three games before the second rest day.
The third game featured an early h3-g4 thrust from Gukesh in a Queen's Gambit Declined. Ding, caught off-guard, quickly found himself out of preparation and spent over 30 minutes deciding on his 13th move. While the reigning champion initially seemed to stabilise his position, his time management ultimately proved fatal. With just over 8 minutes to make 11 moves at a critical juncture, Ding later lost the thread and ran out of time by move 37, failing to solve the complex problems posed by his young opponent.
Gukesh's opening strategy was both daring and practical, perfectly suited for the situation. Once he seized the initiative, his technique in converting the advantage was nearly flawless. Jovanka Houska, commentating for FIDE, praised the youngster's play, describing it as "a masterclass in piece harmony".
In the post-game press conference, Gukesh responded to questions about his subpar performance in the first game with his usual confidence and maturity:
I was a bit nervous, it's a new setting for me. For example, even Magnus, in his first World Championship, he wasn't at his best at the start. I think it's a very normal reaction, and I was okay with that. It was a bad game, but I was generally feeling good.
Ding, meanwhile, appeared dejected. But he has proven his resilience in the past - in last year's match against Ian Nepomniachtchi, he recovered from deficits in games 2, 5, and 7 to ultimately claim the crown. This time, he is not trailing, but Gukesh's convincing win has shifted the pre-match narrative. Many in the chess world are now reaffirming their belief that the youngster could emerge victorious in this historic encounter.
The body language during the post-game press conference conducted by GM Maurice Ashley | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An
Analysis by André Schulz
Gukesh D fully focused | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An
Reigning champion Ding Liren | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An
Chess fever in Singapore | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An
