Gukesh takes giant leap towards title
The New Indian Express|December 09, 2024
On Sunday, D Gukesh took a giant step towards becoming the youngest world chess champion in history after beating Ding Liren with White pieces.
SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN
Gukesh takes giant leap towards title

THIS kid, eh? He doesn't know when he's beaten. He doesn't say no to a completely new challenge. And he very politely takes down a world champion.

With his second win, the match is now 6-5 in the Indian's favour with three games to go. If he can avoid defeat in the remaining games, he will become only the second from India to hold the biggest crown in all of chess.

That paragraph, however, barely scratches the surface of what transpired on a manic Sunday. It had more twists and turns than the many rides and attractions at Universal Studios, one of the neighbouring landmarks in Sentosa. If Saturday's game was a snoozefest, this caught fire as soon as Gukesh revealed his hands by playing an Opening he had never before played in his relatively short competitive career (Reti, Reversed Blumenfeld Gambit). Because this game hadn't been part of the Indian's repertoire, Liren was off prep after a couple of moves. His position was already complicated after he made the committal 3...c5 rather than the more unsexy but solid e3. When Gukesh blitzed out his response, Liren was already unhappy. He didn't like where this was going so he settled in for a very deep thinking state. By the time he made his next two moves, his opponent had achieved his opening goal.

This story is from the December 09, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 09, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESSView All
Wake-up call
The New Indian Express

Wake-up call

Actor Thambi Ramaiah on the importance of making films that promote moral values, working with his son Umapathi, his bond with Samuthirakani, and more

time-read
2 mins  |
December 12, 2024
'I fled Iran because I have more stories to tell'
The New Indian Express

'I fled Iran because I have more stories to tell'

..saysS Mohammad Rasoulof, an Iranian filmmaker living in exile in Germany, whose latest work, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, represents his adopted country at the Oscars

time-read
4 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Paul Mescal to play Paul McCartney?
The New Indian Express

Paul Mescal to play Paul McCartney?

In a conversation with Christopher Nolan at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, Scott confirmed that he is working on a post-apocalyptic thriller titled The Dog Stars.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
The New Indian Express

Meet the parents 4 in the works

Actors Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo and Blythe Danner are in negotiations to reprise their roles in the fourth installment of the Meet The Parents franchise.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
ASAP Rocky to play the lead in High and Low
The New Indian Express

ASAP Rocky to play the lead in High and Low

In a major cast announcement in Spike Lee's High and Low, American rap artist ASAP Rocky has joined the film as the lead actor.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
DHANUSH'S NEEK TO RELEASE IN FEBRUARY 2025
The New Indian Express

DHANUSH'S NEEK TO RELEASE IN FEBRUARY 2025

DHANUSH's upcoming directorial Nilavukku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK) has set a Valentine's week release in 2025.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024
Melding melody with magic
The New Indian Express

Melding melody with magic

COME December, the Chennai sun softens its glare; the sultry air gives way to a refreshing coolness, and the breeze whispers through the streets.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 12, 2024
ON A LEGEND'S FOOTSTEPS
The New Indian Express

ON A LEGEND'S FOOTSTEPS

Garnering praises Viswanathan had more than one reason to remember that character that fetched him the Kodai Nataka Vizha award. It was made more special when eminent theatre and cine actor VS Raghavan, who was also the chief guest, said, \"Ramesh lived with the character.\"

time-read
3 mins  |
December 12, 2024
Publicity stunt or showcasing stupidity?
The New Indian Express

Publicity stunt or showcasing stupidity?

The columnist is a writer and illustrator

time-read
2 mins  |
December 12, 2024
CHRISTIAN DIOR'S DESIGNER OF DREAMS EXHIBITION HEADS TO SAUDI ARABIA
The New Indian Express

CHRISTIAN DIOR'S DESIGNER OF DREAMS EXHIBITION HEADS TO SAUDI ARABIA

FASHION tourism has emerged as a booming trend in recent years, as style-conscious travellers increasingly seek destinations that blend cultural exploration with sartorial experiences.

time-read
1 min  |
December 12, 2024