Ding Liren shocks Gukesh Dommaraju with stunning Game 12 comeback
- Ding Liren won Game 12 against Gukesh Dommaraju, leveling the championship match at 6-6.
- The match took place after Gukesh's dramatic win in Game 11, where he was previously leading.
- The outcome of Game 12 left Gukesh visibly upset, but the overall series remains open with two more games to play.
In Singapore on December 8, 2024, China's Ding Liren made a remarkable comeback during the world championship match against Indian challenger Gukesh Dommaraju. After Gukesh secured a victory in Game 11, it appeared he had the upper hand with a 6-5 lead in the best-of-14 games. However, in Game 12, which lasted nearly four hours, Ding turned the tide by leveling the match score at 6-6 with a decisive win. The match, in which both players were vying for a $2.5 million prize pot, showcased high-level strategic play from Ding, who fell behind on time but managed to find critical moves that left Gukesh without effective counterplay. Gukesh, despite his earlier success and the promising position he had held, faced the emotional toll of the loss as he left the board in tears. Now that the match is tied, there remain two crucial games to determine the ultimate champion, with Gukesh set to play as white in the upcoming Game 13. The players will take a rest day on December 9, as they strategize for the next face-offs, aware that a title win is at stake in the remaining games. This tournament not only demonstrates the personal rivalry between the two players but also highlights a significant moment in chess history, as both Ding and Gukesh represent the new generation of chess talent pushing the boundaries of the game.