Gukesh contemplates his next move against Ding Liren in game 5 of the World Chess Championship in Singapore. (PHOTO: FIDE/Eng Chin An)
The fifth game of the World Chess Championship between Gukesh and Ding Liren saw the 18-year-old from India play with white pieces. The game ended in a 40-move draw.
Game 5 saw the French Defence being employed on the board by Ding Liren as Gukesh started with 1.e4. But chess legend Judit Polgar was less than impressed by the Indian teenager’s third move: 3.exd5.
“I’m just speechless to tell you the truth. I just couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this. I was like ‘what is this?’ This is game 5, the way Gukesh came in to the playing hall it was clear to me that now it is going to be the time. Now it’s going to be sharp. And he goes e takes d5! It is so much not Gukesh,” said Judit Polgar on the Chess24 stream where she was doing live analysis.
Ding Liren sneaks a glance at Gukesh in game 4 of the World Chess Championship in Singapore. (PHOTO: FIDE/Eng Chin An)
READ MORE: In contrast to inscrutable Gukesh, Ding Liren allows the world to see how he feels
The line is known to be one that seeks a draw. Here are the first three moves from both players: 1. e4 e6, 2. d4 d5, 3 exd5 exd5.
INTERACTIVE: Game 5 between Gukesh and Ding Liren
You can check out the move by move action from Game 5 between Gukesh and Ding Liren and also play along in the interactive below. Scroll down to read our updates in real time from Game 5.
Asked if maybe the Indian had chosen the line because of the first game loss where Ding had also employed the French Defence against him which had resulted in a win for the world champion, Polgar said: “This is not how 18-year-olds deal with it. Especially since he levelled the match after that (setback). This is the biggest shock of the match so far. What does Gukesh want to prove with that 3.exd5? Can you imagine that this would become the new fashion if Gukesh the challenger wins the game today after playing this.”
READ MORE: How Gukesh hit the snooze button on a ticking bomb and eventually claimed a draw after a blunder
Gukesh was in trouble after the 23rd move on the board. But he found accurate moves to play himself out of impending doom.
