In an intense showdown at the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore, Ding Liren bounced back with a crucial victory in Game 12 against Indian Grandmaster Gukesh D on Monday. The match is now tied at 6-6, with only two games remaining to decide the world champion.

Ding’s victory came just a day after suffering a tough defeat in Game 11, where Gukesh took the lead in the championship. Facing immense pressure to recover, Ding switched gears, moving away from his earlier conservative strategy of settling for draws. His aggressive play in Game 12 paid off, keeping his championship hopes alive.

Monday’s game saw high drama as both players raced against the clock in a time scramble. Gukesh, under intense pressure, had just seven minutes to make 15 moves as the game reached its critical moments. Despite his resilience, Gukesh couldn’t withstand the combined pressure of Ding’s precise moves and the ticking clock.

This win was crucial for Ding after his unexpected blunder in Game 11, which allowed Gukesh to gain a one-point lead. Commenting on the situation, former world champion Magnus Carlsen had predicted that the Game 11 defeat could potentially break Ding’s confidence. However, Ding’s performance in Game 12 proved otherwise, showing his determination and grit to fight back.

With the score tied at 6-6, the remaining two games of the championship are set to be nail-biting encounters. If the score remains level after 14 games, the title will be decided through tie-breaks with faster time controls.

As the championship heads toward its conclusion, all eyes are on these two exceptional players. While Gukesh is seeking to make history for India, Ding is determined to reclaim his status as a world-class competitor. The chess world waits eagerly to see who will emerge as the 2024 world champion.