World Chess Championship: Ding Liren and Gukesh Draw Game 10, Tie-Break Scenarios Loom
Bengaluru: The World Chess Championship match between Ding Liren and Gukesh remains evenly poised at 5-5 after a lackluster Game 10, which ended in a three-fold repetition after just 36 moves. The seventh consecutive draw of the match has left fans disappointed, with little action over the board in a game that seemed devoid of any real life or ambition.
With four classical games remaining, the possibility of tie-breaks is growing. If the scores remain level after Game 14, the match will proceed to a tie-break featuring four rapid games of 15 minutes each with a 10-second increment per move. Should the tie persist, a blitz playoff will decide the champion.
Speculation about Ding Liren’s strategy to push the match toward tie-breaks is gaining traction, as he appears content with solid draws, particularly in games where he holds the White pieces. Meanwhile, Gukesh, with two remaining White games (Game 11 on Sunday and Game 13 on Tuesday), will likely need to take risks and create imbalances to force decisive outcomes.
With both players cautious and unwilling to overextend, the match has reached a delicate phase. Gukesh’s willingness to push for a win in the upcoming games will likely determine whether the championship is decided in classical play or rapid and blitz tie-breaks. All eyes now turn to Game 11 to see if the young Indian prodigy can break the deadlock.
