The reigning champion allowed Gukesh a fast start but slowly -- and then rapidly -- changed the tide of the match as he put the squeeze on in the latter half of the game. In the last thirty minutes of the first two hour time control, Ding took complete control and eased into a winning position soon into the next time control of half an hour.

D Gukesh gained a psychological advantage over reigning champion Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship with his strategic planning and first victory. The scores are tied at 1.5-1.5, with Gukesh leveraging strong preparation and Liren struggling with calculation in the third game.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh lost to defending champion Ding Liren in opening game of World Chess Championship in Singapore on Monday, November 25.