‘Play Your Best Move, Wait For The Opponent’s Blunder’: D Gukesh Expounds On Resilience Needed In WCC
Last Updated:
The stakes are higher than ever, but there is no other way out than through for D Gukesh, who continues to keep the pressure on the defending champion Ding Liren.
D Gukesh. (AFP Photo)
Ding Liren, playing with white pieces on the day, yet again demonstrated just why he is the defending champion as he dug deep to battle against the clock after falling behind significantly early on in the game and seal another draw in Game 8 of the World Chess Championships on Wednesday.
After a shaky start, which saw the young Indian Challenger pose some tricky questions, the 32-year-old Liren clawed his way back into the game as he pushed Gukesh into deep thought with quality moves deep into the game to take the game to beyond 40 moves.
When asked about whether or not Gukesh may have squandered his opportunity to break away from the competition and secure a potential win today, the 18-year old Indian did not shy away from admitting his downfalls.
“I did not think I was in much danger. My blunder was just a misjudgment of the position,” stated Gukesh.
“I did think I was in a better position in the midgame. But soon, Ding found his ace in the hole and turned the game around. I missed a couple moves that I could have potentially undertaken, I could have progressed further.”
“Almost all the advantage was lost in that position, I did realise that. But, I did not believe I was going to lose. I saw some weaknesses in Liren’s position and decided to play through. I never thought about the risks at that moment,” reiterated a steadfast Gukesh who eked out the draw today to keep the score tied at 4-4.
The stakes are higher than ever, which may be reason enough for the heigtened nerves and anxiety in situations. But, there is no other way out than through for Gukesh, who continues to keep the pressure on the defending champion.
“Playing in the WCC has been my childhood dream. So, in that sense, I’m enjoying myself here. But, given what’s at stake, it’s a bit more tense,” exclaimed Gukesh.
“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.”
“I think I have played quite well the last few games. I have missed a couple of chances obviosuly, but I do believe I’ve been in good form.”
The finalists will return to main board action on Thursday for the ninth iteration of the championship clash, in which Gukesh will control the white pieces as the players alternate between the colours with each passing game.
