Russian Chess Federation accuses Ding Liren of losing to D Gukesh on purpose at World Chess Championship

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Dec 14, 2024, 10:06 IST

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D Gukesh clinched the World Chess Championship title on Thursday, defeating Ding Liren. Russian Chess Federation President Andrei Filatov has controversially accused Ding of intentionally losing and demanded an investigation by FIDE. Gukesh is the first Indian champion since his mentor Viswanathan Anand.

Russian Chess Federation accuses Ding Liren of losing to D Gukesh on purpose at World Chess Championship

D Gukesh beat Ding Liren (in picture) to win the World Chess Championship in Singapore. (FIDE/PTI)

Russian Chess Federation chief Andrei Filatov has raised concerns about Ding Liren's loss to D Gukesh in the World Chess Championship match. He has requested FIDE to investigate the match, specifically the 14th game, while claiming the Chinese Grandmaster lost on purpose. The information was shared on X, formerly Twitter, by Ukrainian chess coach Peter Heine Nielsen, citing the Russian news agency TASS.
“The result of the last game caused bewilderment among professionals and chess fans. The actions of the Chinese chess player in the decisive segment are extremely suspicious and require a separate investigation by FIDE. Losing the position in which Ding Liren was is difficult even for a first class player. The defeat of the Chinese chess player in today's game raises a lot of questions and looks like a deliberate one.”

TASS reported that Liren made a critical error in an even endgame on move 55, leading to Gukesh gaining an advantage in a pawn ending. Filatov, also an honorary FIDE member, has specifically accused Liren of intentionally losing the match. He has formally requested an official investigation by FIDE.

Peter Heine Nielsen shared a post on X highlighting the accusations made by Filatov, tagging both FIDE and TASS.
At 18 years old, Gukesh has become the youngest World Chess champion. He achieved this victory after , Liren, in the final game of a closely contested match. This win marks a significant milestone for Indian chess and builds upon the legacy of Viswanathan Anand.

Gukesh is only the second Indian to hold the world title, following in the footsteps of five-time world champion Anand.
Gukesh secured the championship by reaching 7.5 points against Ding Liren's 6.5. He achieved this by winning the 14th and final classical time control game, a game that appeared to be heading towards a draw for a significant portion.

As the new World Chess champion, Gukesh will receive $1.3 million from the total prize purse of $2.5 million.

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