~ “When you cross the playing hall you can really feel the tension” (Anna Muzychuk)”
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 04.12.2024) :: The champion Ding Liren dodged a bullet this afternoon. After a huge blunder on move forty, it looked like the challenger was about to make his claim to become the new FIDE World Champion.
Gukesh’s opening strategy was on point. His team prepared a strong novelty on move seven in a well-known line, allowing him to stay ahead on the clock for most of the game. The champion defended accurately but at a huge time cost and with only a few moves to go he was under acute time pressure.
With only seven second left on his clock, Ding Liren blundered on the last move before the time control. Instead of 40...Ke5, he should have played 40...Nc8-b6, with a blockade and very good chances to draw.
But just when victory seemed locked up for the challenger, nerves kicked in. Converting the endgame was not an easy task and, low on time, Gukesh was unable to find the win.
With seven of the fourteen scheduled classical games under the belt, the match remains tied 3.5-3.5 going into the second half of the match.
The eighth game of the match will take place on Wednesday, 4th at 5 PM local time in Singapore. Ding Liren will play White.
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