Arjun Erigaisi’s Achievement Joyful and Acts As Fuel For Me, Says D Gukesh After Game 9 Of WCC
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Gukesh’s Indian counterpart, Arjun Erigaisi, recently made history by becoming just the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to cross the coveted 2800 ELO rating mark
Arjun Erigaisi with Gukesh D (X)
“In general, when you’re at your worst, you try to find the best moves and wait for the opponent to make a blunder. That’s the best way to go about and stay resilient in these situations.”
These were the words D Gukesh uttered after Game 8 of the World Chess Championship yesterday.
Well, Ding Liren proved that such mistakes will be far and few inbetween, as the defending champion put up a sensational outing to force yet another draw against the Indian Challenger in Game 9 today, as their scores remain tied at 4.5-4.5.
Following a fiery opening, Liren played in his usual manner: taking his time, and then switching it on in the endgame.
At one point, Liren was down almost an hour of time compared to Gukesh, but the Chinese GM yet again proved why time is merely a construct in the bigger picture for him, as he forced young Gukesh to squander away his advantage and play it out for a draw, on Ding’s terms.
“It was a very precise game from both sides. I think I had a slight advantage at one point, but nothing substantial,” stated Gukesh at the post-game presser.
“So far, it’s been a very interesting match with a few missed chances on both sides. We’ve both showcased fighting spirit and some entertaining chess. So, I expect a fight till the end.”
With five games left till a potential tiebreak comes into play, it seems as if Liren grows in confidence, almost taunting the young Indian to play at a quicker pace towards the endgame every chance he gets.
And as it is poised right now, Ding will get to start with the white pieces for 3 out of the 5 remaining games: a seeming advantage that Gukesh does not worry about.
“If both players play well, the positions are always bound to be equal. So, white or black, the pieces don’t matter when both the players are on top of their preparation and their execution,” exclaimed Gukesh.
“There are no real differences between white and black pieces now, due to computers. It’s just an equal game with both colours. So, I don’t look at it as a huge advantage.”
“I realise Ding gets to play with white for three of the remaining five games, but I am more than happy to take the challenge on and keep playing the way I do.”
Much eyes have been on Gukesh undoubtedly, but yet another Indian that has hogged the headlines in the Chess world currently has been Gukesh’s Indian counterpart, Arjun Erigaisi, who recently made history by becoming just the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to cross the coveted 2800 ELO rating mark.
Gukesh, who has been lost in his own world of problems as he vies for the Championship at stake, has not allowed any of the noise to get to him, but stays vigilant and motivated by his peers’ achievement.
“First off all, congratulations to Arjun. It’s fully deserved and to be the second Indian after Vishy sir to cross the 2800 mark is phenomenal.”
“We all compete against each other and compete against each other. So, as much as I am happy for him, it also acts as motivation for myself.”
