D Gukesh vs Ding Liren (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: In Game 4 of the World Chess Championship final, India’s Gukesh Dommaraju drew with reigning champion Ding Liren of China. Despite facing an unexpected opening choice from Ding, Gukesh navigated the complexities to achieve a balanced position.
Ding, employing the Reti Opening, aimed to deviate from the first game’s strategy. However, Gukesh responded effectively, limiting any significant advantage.
Both players exhibited caution, resulting in a game characterized by strategic manoeuvring rather than aggressive tactics.
Although Ding attempted to exploit Gukesh’s dark-squared bishop, the Indian prodigy defended accurately, maintaining equilibrium.
The game progressed towards a rook-pawn endgame, but with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage, a draw became the inevitable outcome after 42 moves.
With this draw, the score stands at 2-2 after four games. The match resumes on Saturday with Game 5, where Gukesh will have the advantage of playing with the white pieces.

“Towards the end, I had some chances to press better but with black this is all you can expect,” Gukesh said after the game.
“I am just trying to make good moves,” he added when asked about the prospect of becoming the youngest world champion.
The 32-year-old Liren had won the opening game before the two played out a draw in the second game. “I tried to play safe,” Liren said. “I had a rest day to recover from the tough loss. I am in a very good mood. It worked well, not so bad.”