India’s chess star D Gukesh played a draw against reigning world champion Ding Liren in the first round of the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis. In a preview of their upcoming clash at the World Chess Championship, Gukesh and Ding faced off in a classical round. This was their first meeting since Gukesh won the 2024 Candidates Tournament. In the world rankings, Gukesh is currently ranked sixth while Ding is ranked 15th, his lowest world ranking.

In an encounter that featured some nerve-racking moments, Gukesh, playing with the black pieces, managed to escape from a tricky situation. The Indian survived a moment of shock after pushing his pawn to the d4 square, but Ding was unable to punish him. Ding played bishop d3, allowing Gukesh to escape from a peculiar position.

During the next moves of both players, numerous pieces left the board and the game ended in a draw.

Challengers Gukesh and Ding will face each other again in the 2024 FIDE World Championship match, which will be held this year in Singapore from November 20 to December 15.

FIDE had received three competing bids to host the World Championship match – from New Delhi (India), Chennai (India) and Singapore.

“After reviewing the applications and inspecting all potential host cities for their venues, facilities, event programmes and capabilities, the International Chess Federation has selected Singapore as the host venue for the World Championship match,” FIDE said in an official statement last month.

“We are delighted that for the first time in FIDE history, a World Championship match will be held in Singapore. Singapore is not only one of the most famous global tourist and business centers, but also a thriving chess center with great ambitions and talent,” said FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich in an official statement.

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