Controversy erupts, Ding Liren accused of ‘deliberately’ losing to D Gukesh in World Chess Championship final

New Delhi: Defending World Chess Champion Ding Liren was left to regret his critical mistake in the 14th and final game against India’s D. Gukesh on Thursday. Liren’s poor judgment proved costly as Gukesh seized the opportunity, making history as the youngest-ever world champion. While many in the chess world celebrated the 18-year-old Gukesh’s triumph, Andrei Filatov, head of the Russian Chess Federation, has accused Liren of deliberately losing the game.

Russian news agency TASS reported that Filatov has urged the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to launch an investigation into the result.

“The outcome of the final game has left professionals and chess fans puzzled. The behavior of the Chinese player during the decisive moments is highly suspicious and warrants a thorough investigation by FIDE,” Filatov stated.

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

Building on the incredible legacy of the great Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh became only the second Indian to win the coveted title, following the iconic player, who held the crown five times during his illustrious career.

After settling into “semi-retirement”, the 55-year-old Anand, incidentally, played a pivotal role in shaping Gukesh at his chess academy in Chennai.

Gukesh secured the crucial 7.5 points, compared to his Chinese rival’s 6.5, after winning the 14th and final classical time control game of the match, which had seemed likely to end in a draw for most of the duration. As the winner, he will take home a staggering USD 1.3 million (approximately Rs 11.03 crore) from the total $2.5 million prize pool. “I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realized the dream and made it into reality,” the soft-spoken Chennai lad told reporters after his historic victory.

The reticent teenager broke into a wide grin and raised his arms in celebration after his victory, a striking contrast to the usual poker face he maintains during play. As the reality of his achievement sank in, a tear or two escaped his eyes, revealing a rare moment of vulnerability.

“I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win,” he added.