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World Chess Championship 2024 Game 5 Highlights: D Gukesh, Ding Liren settle for draw after intense battle in Singapore

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren World Chess Championship 2024 Live Updates: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren p...

The Times of India | Nov 30, 2024, 06:15:42 IST

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06:15 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren Game 5 ends in draw; scores level at 2.5-2.5 at World Chess Championship

In the fifth game of the World Chess Championship, India's 18-year-old D Gukesh and China's defending champion Ding Liren ended with a draw after 40 moves.

05:43 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren Game 5 Live: All the moves!


  1. e4 e6
  2. d4 d5ex
  3. exd5 exd5
  4. Nf3 Nf6
  5. Bd3 c5
  6. c3 c4
  7. Bc2 Bd6
  8. Qe2+ Qe7
  9. Qxe7+ Kxe7
  10. O-O Re8
  11. Re1+ Kf8
  12. Rxe8+ Kxe8
  13. Bg5 Nbd7
  14. Nbd2 h6
  15. Bh4 Nh5
  16. Re1+ Kf8
  17. g4 Nf4
  18. Bg3 Nb6
  19. g5 hxg5
  20. Nxg5 Bd7
  21. Ngf3 Re8
  22. Ne5 Bxe5
  23. dxe5 Nd3
  24. Bxd3 cxd3
  25. f3 Nc4
  26. Nxc4 dxc4
  27. Re4 Bc6
  28. Rd4 Bxf3
  29. Kf2 Bc6
  30. Rxc4 Rd8
  31. Rd4 Rxd4
  32. cxd4 Bd5
  33. b3 Ke7
  34. Ke3 Ke6
  35. Kxd3 g6
  36. Kc3 a6
  37. Kd3 Kf5
  38. Ke3 Ke6
  39. Kd3 kf5
  40. Ke3 Ke6

05:34 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren Live Updates: Game 5 ends in a draw

Gukesh and Liren settled for a draw after an intense battle in Singapore. During the mid-game, Gukesh made an error, opting to ignore a rook exchange while pursuing a more aggressive opening. At that point, Ding had the upper hand and looked poised to take control. However, Gukesh held his nerve superbly, counter-attacked with precision, and calculated his moves flawlessly. From a losing position, he managed to secure the draw. The 14-round series is now tied on 2.5-2.5. We’ll be back for Game 6, same time tomorrow!

17:22 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Is it nearing another draw?

As Gukesh plays Rd4, both players seem to be weighing their options carefully, with the game heading toward a critical juncture. The position looks increasingly balanced, and a draw appears to be a likely outcome, given the lack of significant breakthroughs from either side. Ding, though still holding some advantage, is faced with limited opportunities to push for a win, while Gukesh's solid defence keeps him in the game. The tension remains palpable, as both players carefully navigate the endgame, with the prospect of a draw looming on the horizon.

17:18 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Gukesh plays Re4 but still under pressure

Under immense pressure from the defending champion, Gukesh plays Re4, a move that aims to regain some control and counter Ding’s growing advantage. As the game continues to unfold, the intensity rises with each move, keeping the spectators on edge. Gukesh’s defensive manoeuvre signals his determination to fight back, but Ding’s earlier advantage still looms large. The game is evolving into a tense and unpredictable battle, where every move could shift the tide once again.

16:57 (IST), Nov, 30

World Chess Championship 2024 Live: Who is winning then?

The engine and AI both agree on the shift in momentum, as the evaluation bar moves decisively in Ding’s favour for the first time in the game. With Ding’s move, the AI now gives him a 36% chance of winning, compared to just 6.4% for Gukesh. This marks a pivotal moment, as the balance of the game tilts dramatically, and Ding begins to capitalize on the opening Gukesh left him, putting the young Indian prodigy under significant pressure.

16:54 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Gukesh now under some clear pressure

Without hesitation, Gukesh plays 23. dxe5, capturing Ding’s pawn and maintaining the momentum. However, Ding Liren responds swiftly, blitzing out 23... Nd3!, a brilliant knight move that seizes the first significant advantage of the game. This unexpected and precise manoeuvre places Gukesh in a tough spot, forcing him to confront the mounting pressure as Ding takes control of the position for the first time in the match.

16:45 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Some interesting moves on the board!

Gukesh makes a surprising move, retreating his knight back to f3. It goes against traditional chess principles, defying the old-school advice of holding onto the ground you’ve gained. However, Gukesh thrives on the flexibility this manoeuvre offers, using it to create new opportunities for himself. The move also adds an element of unpredictability, which seems to unsettle Ding, who is a decade or more older and likely accustomed to more conventional play. Gukesh’s ability to break from tradition and keep his opponent guessing is one of the key factors that makes him such a formidable force. Ding Liren is on 49 minutes, while Gukesh has 54 minutes left in his hands.

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16:33 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Gukesh plays g5

Gukesh pushes his pawn to g5, making a bold move that further disrupts the position. With this play, he seems to be asserting his control, forcing Ding Liren into deep contemplation. As Gukesh stands confident, Liren is left to ponder his next steps, his mind racing to find a response to the growing pressure. The game continues to intensify, with both players fully immersed in the strategic depths of the battle.

16:28 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Slightly unconventional move by Gukesh

Gukesh makes a slightly unconventional move with g4, pushing his pawn to threaten Ding’s advanced knight on h5. The move is surprising, yet it reflects Gukesh’s calculated approach to the game. Sometimes such unorthodox moves are often the best choice, Gukesh excels because he doesn’t rely on instinct but rather on thorough calculations and deep analysis. Ding, however, responds by advancing his knight to f4, pushing the game forward as both players continue to outmanoeuvre each other in this tense battle.

16:16 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Bold move from Gukesh!

To the astonishment of everyone, Gukesh makes a bold and unexpected move, pushing his pawn to g4. The move catches attention, signaling his aggressive intent and willingness to take risks. Now, it's Ding Liren’s turn to respond, with both players having a similar amount of time left on the clock. The game has reached a pivotal moment, with each move carrying immense weight as both strategists prepare for what comes next.

16:06 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: D Gukesh looks under control

Gukesh takes a moment to meditate, carefully plotting his next move. With a sharp calculation, he decides to check Ding’s king once more, sending his rook flying across the board to e1. Ding, however, remains composed and responds with precision, calmly sidestepping the threat by moving his king to f8, maintaining control of the position. What is Gukesh thinking now?

15:52 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: What will be Gukesh's next move?

15:49 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Liren moves knight to h5

After much deliberation, Ding Liren finally moves his knight to h5, breaking his lengthy pause. Now it’s Gukesh’s turn to respond, and for the first time in the match, he appears to be taking his time, carefully analyzing his next move. The tension is palpable as both players navigate this critical phase of the game.

15:40 (IST), Nov, 30

World Chess Championship 2024 Live: The clock is ticking!

Ding Liren is deep in thought, with the clock nearing the one-hour mark as he contemplates his next move. In stark contrast, Gukesh appears calm and confident, sitting across the board with over 1 hour and 30 minutes still left on his clock. The disparity in time management underscores the pressure Ding is under, perhaps reflecting the challenge of navigating Gukesh’s aggressive and unpredictable style. Gukesh’s composed demeanor and efficient play must be intimidating for Ding, as the young Indian prodigy continues to control the pace and psychological edge of the match.

15:30 (IST), Nov, 30

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, Game 5 Live Updates: Liren thinking too much!

Defending champion Ding Liren has been thinking about his next move for the last 20 minutes. As we can see right now, Gukesh has also gone into a thinking posture. Perhaps he is considering throwing a counter-punch at the Chinese once he plays his next move. Indian fans must be loving this situation at this moment.

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15:24 (IST), Nov, 30

Gukesh vs Liren, Game 5 Live: Happy 34th Birthday to Magnus Carlsen!

15:20 (IST), Nov, 30

Gukesh vs Liren Live: Fast-paced chess happening here!

At the moment, Liren looks a bit perplexed as this is one of the fastest-paced matches in World Championship history, with just 20 minutes used on each side as Gukesh reaches his 14th move. The tempo highlights Ding's solid preparations, though Gukesh’s bold willingness to exchange high-value pieces early may have caught him slightly off guard. Gukesh’s aggressive strategy aims to disrupt Ding’s rhythm, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.

15:10 (IST), Nov, 30

Gukesh vs Liren Live: Some quick moves from the Indian

Gukesh moves his rook to e1, delivering a check and forcing Ding to shift his king diagonally to f8. Without hesitation, Gukesh sweeps across the board to capture Ding's rook on e8, delivering another check. Ding quickly counters by capturing Gukesh's rook with his king. The game continues at a rapid pace as Gukesh advances his black bishop to g5, and Ding promptly responds by bringing his knight to d7.

14:47 (IST), Nov, 30

World Chess Championship 2024 Live: Two points

Both Ding and Gukesh now have two points from four games and will be back on the board on Saturday for the fifth game with the Indian Grandmaster playing with white pieces.

Ding, who had won with white pieces in the first game, came up with another surprise opening but Gukesh fought well, and a draw looked the only outcome when the position got simplified after Ding tried to attack his rival's dark-coloured bishop with a trade. But Gukesh came up with the right moves and kept things in control.

Ding started with the Reti Opening, differing from the King Pawn Opening he chose in the first game, and it soon developed into the Zukertort Opening, which many experts believe is a very flexible opening.

But things did not get complicated much as Gukesh, who brilliantly won the third game with white pieces just before the first rest day of the event on Thursday, came up with the right responses after the initial surprise element had worn off. Ding also decided to play safe and did not take any risks, though both of them spent an inordinately longer time thinking on some moves, and the game developed into a draw as the Chinese Grandmaster could not breach his rival's defence.

Ding Liren was quite content with his play. “Yesterday I had a rest day to recover from the tough loss and today I was in a very good move. I tried to surprise my opponent and it worked well, but the advantage was very small. He was able to neutralize my initiative and the game was balanced”.

14:46 (IST), Nov, 30

World Chess Championship 2024 Live: 100% accuracy rate

India's Gukesh Dommaraju held reigning champion Ding Liren of China to a draw in Game 4 of their 14-game FIDE World Chess Championship Final Match at the Resorts World Sentosa on Friday, overcoming another surprise opening to fight for equality in a game in which both players spent time trying to keep the game going.

It was a game that saw both players performing at a 100% accuracy rate and with both of them playing safe, they ended up splitting the point after 42 hard-fought moves with a clear three-fold repetition in a rook ending.

Both players made correct moves in the middle game to reach what looked like a rook-pawn ending but the position remained simple and drawish throughout and they decided to sign the peace treaty in the game that started with two World Champions and trailblazers in their countries, Xie Jun from China and Viswanathan Anand of India making the ceremonial first moves and cheered on their compatriots.

14:45 (IST), Nov, 30

World Chess Championship 2024 Live: 'I had some chances'

"Towards the end, I had some chances to press better but with black this is all you can expect," Gukesh said after the game.

"I am just trying to make good moves," he added when asked about the prospect of becoming the youngest world champion.

The 32-year-old Liren had won the opening game before the two played out a draw in the second game.

"I tried to play safe," Liren said.

"I had a rest day to recover from the tough loss. I am in a very good mood. It worked well, not so bad," he added.

Viswanathan Anand is so far the only Indian to have won the title, having claimed it five times in his career.

14:44 (IST), Nov, 30

World Chess Championship 2024 Live: Fourth round ended in a draw

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren played out a draw in the fourth round to remain level on points in the World Chess Championship battle on Friday.

The two players signed peace after 42 moves and are tied on 2 points each after four games of the 14-round showdown.

The 18-year-old Gukesh, who was playing with black on Friday, is the youngest ever challenger for the crown and had won the third game on Wednesday.

14:43 (IST), Nov, 30

Hello and welcome to the Live Coverage of World Chess Championship 2024 Game 5 between Gukesh vs Ding Liren

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