World Championship Game 9: A "very precise" draw

by Carlos Alberto Colodro
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
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"No one is clearly better in this match"

Find below expert video analyses by GM Daniel King and IM Robert Ris

After two action-packed encounters, game 9 of the World Chess Championship in Singapore brought a more subdued yet strategically rich draw. Playing with the white pieces, Gukesh D applied some pressure on Ding Liren out of a Catalan Opening, but the reigning champion held his ground with precise defensive play. After 54 moves, the players agreed to a draw, leaving the score tied as they approach the third rest day of the match. With only five games remaining, the stakes continue to climb in the closely fought contest.

The match has seen both players grow in confidence after early nerves and inconsistencies. Gukesh, the youngest challenger in history, seems to have adapted well to the high-pressure environment. Reflecting on his recent form, the Indian prodigy noted:

In the last few games I have managed to play very good chess. For me, the main thing will be to just go there with the same energy, play the same level of chess I'm playing, and slightly improve on some critical moments.

In contrast to earlier games featuring unexpected novelties, Thursday's encounter began with the well-established Catalan Opening. Gukesh built a notable advantage on the clock, showcasing his strong preparation, but Ding navigated the complications with composure to maintain equality. Gukesh described the encounter as "a very precise game from both sides".

One of the game's pivotal moments came on move 15, when Ding spent nearly 18 minutes before playing 15...Nb6, adding to his already significant time deficit.

Gukesh followed up with 16.Ba5, prompting another deep think from Ding before he played 16...dxc4. Although the reigning champion spent considerable time on these moves, his efforts paid off, as he successfully neutralised Gukesh's chances in the middlegame battle.

The players demonstrated mutual respect during the post-game press conference. When asked about consulting the engine’s evaluation during the game, Gukesh joked: "I wouldn’t want to cheat at any point". Ding replied with a smile: "Today I didn't have any chance, so maybe I will use it for the future".

The match resumes on Saturday, with Ding set to have the white pieces in three of the remaining five games. As the tension mounts, both players will need to draw on every ounce of their skill, preparation and composure to tilt the balance in their favour before the scheduled conclusion next Thursday (or Friday, if the match goes to tiebreaks).

Dommaraju Gukesh

Dommaraju Gukesh | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

Ding Liren

Ding Liren | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

Gukesh ½ - ½ Ding

Analysis by André Schulz

Ding Liren

Five classical games - at the most - remain to be played at the match for the world title in Singapore | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

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Commentary by IM Robert Ris

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Topics: Ding Liren, Gukesh, World Championship 2024
Carlos Colodro is a Hispanic Philologist from Bolivia. He works as a freelance translator and writer since 2012. A lot of his work is done in chess-related texts, as the game is one of his biggest interests, along with literature and music.