The stage is set for one of the most anticipated clashes in chess history as India’s 18-year-old sensation, D Gukesh, takes on China’s reigning world champion, Ding Liren, in the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship.
Hosted at Singapore’s iconic Resorts World Sentosa, this marks the first time in the 138- year history of the championship that two Asians will compete for the ultimate crown in chess.
A Tale of Two Titans
The players come from contrasting paths to the championship.
Ding Liren, a 32- year-old classical chess stalwart, became the first Chinese player to claim the world title in 2023 after a gruelling tiebreak victory over Ian Nepomniachtchi. Known for his stability and strategic depth, Ding once held an unprecedented 100-game unbeaten streak between 2017 and 2018.
However, since his triumph, he has struggled to maintain form, with his ranking slipping to world No. 23.
In contrast, Gukesh’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of spectacular. From being the third-youngest Grandmaster in history to becoming the youngest-ever challenger for the World Championship, Gukesh’s journey embodies the relentless creativity and fearlessness of the new generation.
Ranked world No. 5 with an impressive Elo rating of 2783, Gukesh overtook Indian legend Viswanathan Anand in live ratings last year, signalling a new era in Indian chess.
A Battle of Generations
The 14-game championship match is more than a contest; it’s a clash of styles and generations.
Ding, with his classical chess mastery, is known for his solid, risk-free approach, while Gukesh thrives on dynamism and finding wins from seemingly deadlocked positions.
This generational duel represents the pinnacle of chess tradition facing the fearless ingenuity of youth. Ding himself has acknowledged Gukesh as the favourite, highlighting the generational shift in momentum.
This match is a battle of one player on the rise and the other trying to stabilise!
Opening Gambits and Key Strategies
Preparation will play a pivotal role in this match, with experts predicting that 75-80% of the players’ efforts are focused on openings.
Gukesh, traditionally not the strongest in this area, will rely on his team, including GM Grzegorz Gajewski, to fine-tune his strategies.
Meanwhile, Ding’s preparation will be closely watched, especially after his innovative approach in last year’s championship.
Both players are likely to rely on classic openings such as 1.e4 or 1.d4, but surprises are inevitable.
As GM Srinath Narayanan points out, the best players often deviate from computer-recommended moves to navigate their opponents into unfamiliar territory.
Stakes and Spectacle
The championship comes with the largest sponsorship in chess history, thanks to Google’s involvement, which stems from the tech giant’s push to showcase AI’s growing influence on chess.
The prize pool of $2.5 million adds to the excitement, with players earning $200,000 for each win—an incentive designed to encourage aggressive play.
The match also holds symbolic importance, potentially inspiring millions in Asia and beyond.
As the chess world tunes in to watch the first game today at 2:30 PM IST, Gukesh begins with the white pieces.
The young prodigy aims to make history by becoming the youngest-ever world champion, while Ding strives to defend his title and cement his legacy.
Beyond the Board
This championship isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural and generational milestone. The fearless creativity of youth faces off against the disciplined mastery of
experience.
Will Gukesh’s boldness triumph, or will Ding’s stability prevail?
As the world watches, one thing is certain: this match will redefine the future of
chess.
