Teenager D Gukesh faces reigning champion Ding Liren in World Chess Championship: A Battle of Expectations and Challenges

The weight of expectations and the challenge of facing the reigning champion Ding Liren sits heavily on the shoulders of teenager D Gukesh as he gears up to compete in the World Chess Championship in Singapore starting from Monday (November 25).

Gukesh, at just 18 years old, is aiming to follow in the footsteps of legendary Indian chess player Viswanathan Anand and clinch the coveted title. The young Grandmaster has been in top form and exudes the confidence of a champion. However, the real test will be how he handles the pressure of such a high-stakes competition.

On the other hand, Liren, the current world champion, has had a tumultuous year battling mental health issues and competing less frequently compared to Gukesh. Despite acknowledging that Gukesh is the favorite, Liren is looking forward to an intriguing battle on the board.

The tournament this year is historic as it marks the first time in 138 years that two Asian players will face off in the World Chess Championship final. With a prize fund of $2.5 million up for grabs, the stakes are higher than ever.

The format of the championship includes up to 14 classical games, with the first player to score 7.5 points being crowned the champion. If the players are tied after the 14 games, the championship will go into a tie-break with rapid playoffs and increment time controls.

Chess enthusiasts can catch all the action live on FIDE and Chess.com’s social media platforms, with games starting at 2:30 pm IST. The tournament promises to be a thrilling showdown between two exceptional players vying for the ultimate title in the world of chess.