LIVE: Gukesh vs Ding Liren, match 1

November 25, 2024, at 9:00 AM

After all the anticipation, the moment has arrived. The youngest contender in the history of the chess World Championship is facing off against one of the top players of the last ten years, Ding Liren. But is India’s Dommaraju Gukesh capable of pulling off the victory?

We'll find out shortly, as the moment has arrived for D Gukesh to face Ding Liren. The lengthy World Championship kicks off today at 2:30 PM when they begin the first match, with Gukesh taking the white pieces.

As the match approaches, Liren might have understated his prospects, and there was a noticeable difference in attitude between him and Gukesh. However, it's important to remember that no one becomes a world champion without being truly remarkable in their field, and Ding definitely fits that description. Another young Indian grandmaster, R Praggnanandhaa, mentioned to ESPN's Aaditya Narayan that starting with white pieces gives Gukesh an edge. Yet, in a high-stakes situation like this, the realities can be much more complex than what these young chess talents from India have faced in the past.

The direct encounters aren't in young Gukesh's favor, which is typical given his age, as Ding has claimed victory twice and drawn once in their three classical games. However, the FIDE Candidates and Chess Olympiad clearly demonstrated that Gukesh is a player who gets better with each day.

Stay with us for comprehensive coverage of this exciting match that’s sure to be thrilling. Aaditya, currently in Singapore, will be providing updates to ensure you enjoy the full experience, complete with all the sights and sounds from the venue. You can find the live blog right below: