The highly anticipated Game 3 of the 2024 World Chess Championship is underway in Singapore, featuring Indian prodigy D. Gukesh and reigning champion Ding Liren. After two rounds, Ding holds a narrow lead with a score of 1.5 to 0.5, following his victory in the first game and a draw in the second.
Game Highlights
Gukesh, playing with the white pieces, opened aggressively, quickly gaining a time advantage as Ding Liren spent considerable time calculating his responses in the early stages. As of the latest update, Gukesh has completed 13 moves, demonstrating intense preparation and confidence in his approach. Meanwhile, Ding, known for his composure under pressure, has been navigating the game carefully, signalling his intent for a competitive battle despite his early disadvantage on the clock.
Strategic Dynamics
Ding, aware of Gukesh’s aggressive playstyle and the need to defend his one-point lead, described today’s match as a “big fight” and prepared for a challenging encounter. The championship’s time control—120 minutes for the first 40 moves, with an additional 30 minutes for the rest of the game and 30 30-second increments after move 41—adds complexity, emphasising precision and time management.
Championship Stakes
The World Chess Championship is a 14-game series, with the first player to reach 7.5 points claiming the title. The total prize pool of $2.5 million adds significant stakes to every match, incentivizing bold and strategic play.
As the game progresses, fans are keenly watching whether Gukesh can capitalize on his early momentum to level the score or if Ding’s resilience will help him extend his lead. With 11 games still to play after today, the championship promises to deliver high-stakes drama and exceptional chess artistry.