‘Suspicious, needs investigation’: Ding Liren accused of ‘deliberately’ losing to D Gukesh

Reigning world chess champion Ding Liren was left to rue the “mistake” he made in the 14th and final game against India’s D Gukesh on Thursday. Liren’s misjudgment proved costly as Gukesh capitalized on the error and became the youngest world champion in the game’s history. While most chess players are delighted that 18-year-old Gukesh is making history, Russian Chess Federation chief Andrei Filatov has accused China’s Liren of intentionally losing the game.

Russian news agency TASS quoted Filatov as asking the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to open an investigation and examine the outcome.

“The result of the last game caused confusion among professionals and chess fans. The Chinese chess player’s actions in the crucial section are extremely suspicious and require a separate investigation by FIDE,” he said.

“Losing the position Ding Liren was in is difficult even for a top-class player. The Chinese chess player’s defeat in today’s game raises many questions and looks like a deliberate defeat,” he added.

The emotional moment when 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju became the 18th world chess champion pic.twitter.com/jRIZrYeyCF

— Chess.com (@chesscom) December 12, 2024

Continuing the incredible legacy of the great Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh became only the second Indian to win the coveted prize after the legendary player who held the crown five times in his career.

Incidentally, after settling into “semi-retirement”, 55-year-old Anand played a crucial role in shaping Gukesh at his chess academy in Chennai.

Gukesh secured the required 7.5 points to his Chinese rival’s 6.5 points after winning the 14th and final classic time control game of the match, which largely appeared to be headed for a draw. As the winner, he will receive a whopping $1.3 million (approximately Rs. 11.03 million) out of the 2.5 million prize money.

“I’ve been dreaming about this moment for the last ten years. I am happy that I achieved the dream (and turned it into reality),” the soft-spoken Chennai boy told reporters after the historic triumph

The reserved teenager grinned broadly and raised his arms in celebration after the victory, a stark contrast to the poker face he normally wears while playing. As the feeling subsided, a tear or two also fell from his eyes, showing a rare moment of vulnerability.

“I got a little emotional because I didn’t expect to win,” he added.

With PTI inputs