I’ve followed the 2024 World Chess Championship closely, and from the very beginning, I’ve been clear that neither D Gukesh nor Ding Liren have been playing ambitious chess. It’s been a cautious, sometimes overly calculated affair, and I’ve not been alone in expressing disappointment. Former champions Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov have both been vocal in their criticism of the quality of play, noting that the intensity expected in a title match has been sorely lacking. But Game 7 may have just changed that narrative.
This was the longest and most dramatic game of the championship so far, with Gukesh taking a clear advantage on both the board and the clock by move 25. Ding Liren found himself under tremendous pressure, particularly after making some missteps during the middle game, but he fought back in a way we hadn’t seen in earlier rounds. Both players reached the 40-move time control, with Ding dangerously close to losing on time, making his 40th move with just 7 seconds left.
Despite his advantage, Gukesh wasn’t able to convert it into a win, and the game ended in a draw. Still, it was an intense and thrilling battle—something we’ve been missing in the earlier games. It’s fair to say that this is the first match that felt like a world championship match.
In my earlier commentary, I spoke about the lack of ambition in their play. Both players were calculating deeply but not taking the necessary risks that could define this match. Game 7, however, gave us a glimpse of what’s to come. Yes, there were errors on both sides, but it was a fight, a real contest of nerves, skill, and endurance. The fact that they exchanged queens and bishops before the time control, with the tension building as Ding narrowly escaped defeat, speaks to the drama that finally unfolded.
We are now at 3.5-3.5, and while neither player has managed to take a decisive lead, Game 7 may well be the turning point. Gukesh had the upper hand but couldn’t break through, and Ding showed resilience at a crucial moment. There are seven more games to go, and I believe that the competitive fire that has been missing up until now has finally been lit.
This match isn’t over by a long shot, and if Game 7 is any indication, the next few games will be decisive. Let’s hope we continue to see this level of intensity as the championship battle continues.
