The countdown has begun – just three days remain until the much-anticipated World Chess Championship between India’s rising star Gukesh D and reigning champion Ding Liren of China. This is shaping up to be a historic showdown, not only because of the stakes for both players, but also because of the importance of the match to the chess world.

For India, the stakes could not be higher. Gukesh has the potential to make history by becoming the youngest world chess champion in history, a feat that would eclipse the legacy of his legendary compatriot, Vishwanathan Anand, who last brought the World Chess Championship in India in 2012. has been a challenge for Indian chess, with Anand’s victory in 2012 remaining India’s most recent World Championship victory. Since then, it has been a long gap and Gukesh has emerged as the new hope of Indian chess, positioning himself as a strong contender to end the drought.

On the other hand, Ding Liren, the current world chess champion since 2022, has had an eventful journey since winning the title. Although his victory at the 2022 World Championship was a monumental feat, his performances over the past two years have been inconsistent. Some fans even unfairly turned against him, using the hashtag #NotMyChampion when Ding failed to perform at his best. Yet when Ding is at his peak, he remains one of the most formidable players in the world. The question is: which Ding Liren will be present at this year’s championship?

For Gukesh, the challenge will be particularly difficult. Historically, Ding has had the upper hand in their classic encounters. To date, Gukesh is yet to beat Ding in a classic match, with Ding leading his head-to-head record 2-0. But Gukesh has proven time and time again that he is a fighter, able to bounce back from a setback and adapt quickly. This championship game presents him with the perfect opportunity to rewrite that narrative and achieve something truly extraordinary.

The crucial openings: Ruy Lopez and the Nimzo-Indian defense

Gukesh’s past losses to Ding Liren have largely been determined by Ding’s choice of openings – two in particular that Gukesh has struggled to deal with effectively.

2024: Tata Steel Chess Tournament – ​​Ruy Lopez (Berlin Defense)

At the Tata Steel 2024 chess tournament, the game between Gukesh and Ding featured Ruy Lopez, especially Berlin’s defense. The Berlin Defense is known for its strength and flexibility, making it a popular choice among high-level players. Ding’s preference for this opening comes from its ability to offer both flexibility and strategic depth. The Ruy Lopez allows White to control the center while leaving open the possibility of deep maneuvers in the middle of the game.

Gukesh, unable to decipher Ding’s approach, ultimately found himself in a complex endgame, which he was unable to navigate effectively. In the end, it was Ding who triumphed, demonstrating his deep understanding of this opening and his ability to pressure his opponent into making mistakes.

Opening preview
**e4 e5**
**Nf3 Nc6**
**Bc4 Nf6**

This configuration is the hallmark of the opening of Ruy Lopez, named after the Spanish priest Ruy Lopez de Seguera, and it was the basis of Ding’s victory in this encounter. For Gukesh, the challenge of managing this opening in such a high-stakes environment will be crucial.

2023: Tata Steel Chess Tournament – ​​Nimzo-Indian Defense

A year before, at the Tata Steel 2023 chess tournament, Ding faced Gukesh again, this time using the Nimzo-Indian defense with the black pieces. The Nimzo-Indian is a popular defense for Black, providing solid control over the center and creating complications for White in the middle of the game.

In this game, Ding’s mastery of the Nimzo-Indian opened up a complicated position where Gukesh was unable to gain a significant advantage. The deep tactical nature of the Nimzo-Indian made navigation difficult for Gukesh, and Ding was able to capitalize on the positional complexities, securing victory.

**Opening preview:**
– **d4 Nf6**
– **c4 e6**
– **Nf3 b6**

The Nimzo-Indian Defense is designed to put pressure on the White center and create imbalances that are difficult to resolve without precise play. This is a difficult weapon for any player, and Gukesh was unable to overcome it when they met in 2023.

The main challenge for Gukesh: overcoming Ding’s overtures

With Ding’s success in both the Ruy Lopez defense (Berlin defense) and the Nimzo-Indian defense, Gukesh faces a daunting task in the world championship. In classical chess, Ding has established clear dominance over Gukesh in these two critical openings, and Gukesh will need to find a way to counter them effectively. One possible approach could be to avoid these openings altogether, forcing Ding into uncharted territory.

However, the biggest question remains: will Gukesh be able to end his winless streak against Ding in classical chess? Gukesh’s rise has been meteoric and his talent is undeniable. But in classical chess, Ding Liren consistently outplayed him, exploiting weaknesses in Gukesh’s opening repertoire and outwitting him in critical stages of the game.

A golden opportunity for Gukesh

Despite his historic record, Gukesh is far from surpassed. He has shown resilience and adaptability in the past, bouncing back strongly from losses to top players. His ability to recover and learn from his previous mistakes gives him a fighting chance. Additionally, this World Championship match will be a new chapter in their rivalry, one in which Gukesh can make the necessary adjustments to turn the tide.

In terms of overall fitness, Gukesh was in excellent form before the match. His strong performances in recent tournaments, including winning in various rapid and blitz formats, show that he is capable of handling high-pressure situations. The question remains: will he be able to translate his potential into a victory over Ding in the most traditional and challenging format of all: classical chess?

Conclusion: the match that could define a generation

The 2024 World Chess Championship promises to be a spectacle, with Gukesh on the brink of history and Ding looking to reclaim his position as the undisputed king of classical chess. From November 25 to December 12, the chess world will turn its attention to Singapore, where these two players will face off in what promises to be an exciting competition.

Will Gukesh defy all odds and become the youngest world chess champion of all time? Or will Ding Liren assert his dominance and prove that he remains the best in classical chess? The chess world eagerly awaits the answer, and history will soon be made.

Stay tuned – this is going to be a match for the ages!