D Gukesh wins first-ever FIDE World Championship game after Ding Liren runs out of time

In a thrilling turn of events, D Gukesh secured his first-ever FIDE World Championship game victory after defending champion Ding Liren ran out of time in the 37th move. The 18-year-old Indian prodigy showcased his impressive skills throughout the game, playing accurate moves while Ding struggled with the clock and made crucial errors.

After suffering a loss in game 1 and settling for a fortunate draw in game 2, Gukesh’s comeback in game 3 was nothing short of spectacular. The young chess sensation opted for a d4 opening, catching Ding Liren off guard with a Queen’s Gambit Declined exchange variation. Despite Ding’s efforts to fight back, Gukesh maintained his composure and capitalized on his opponent’s blunders.

A pivotal moment came in move 18 when Ding made a critical error with Rook to h5, shifting the evaluation engine in Gukesh’s favor. The Indian player continued to apply pressure, forcing Ding to struggle with his time management. Ultimately, Ding ran out of time after his 37th move, marking the first instance since 1993 where a player lost a world championship match due to time constraints.

This victory was particularly significant for Gukesh, as it was his first classical game win over Ding Liren in six attempts. The tie now stands at 1.5 – 1.5 after three games, setting the stage for an intense battle as the players head into a rest day. Chess enthusiasts can relive the thrilling action of the game below, witnessing Gukesh’s remarkable performance on the world stage.