With only 50 days to go until the 2024 FIDE World Championship, India’s chess sensation D Gukesh is gearing up to take on reigning champion Ding Liren in Singapore. Gukesh’s impressive performance at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where he helped India secure its first-ever gold medal, has catapulted him to world no. 5 with a live rating of 2794.1.
In stark contrast, Ding’s recent form has been lackluster, with no wins in the classical format since January. His performance at the Olympiad was underwhelming, with seven draws and one loss in eight games. However, it would be premature to count him out, given his experience in high-pressure situations. Last year, Ding overcame a mid-tournament crisis when his preparation was leaked online and went on to win the championship in sensational circumstances.
Gukesh, on the other hand, is yet to face the intense pressure of a world championship match. While his current form is exceptional, it remains to be seen how he will handle the weight of expectation. His preparation is likely to be meticulous, but even the most elite athletes can crumble under pressure.
As the two players enter their final preparations, they will be relying on their teams of ‘econds’ to support them. Gukesh’s team is likely to be larger than the one he had during the Candidates tournament, although the identities of his seconds and other team members remain a closely guarded secret.
One thing is certain – the 2024 FIDE World Championship promises to be an electrifying contest between two chess giants. Will Gukesh’s youthful exuberance and current form be enough to dethrone Ding, or will the reigning champion’s experience and resilience prove too much for the Indian prodigy? The world will be watching with bated breath as these two chess titans clash in Singapore from November 25 onwards.
Leave a Reply