Outplaying Opponent Is Very Nice: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh

Elated after his first win in the World Championship showdown against defending champion Ding Liren, young Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh said it is "always very nice" to outplay an opponent the way he did in the third game in Singapore on Wednesday. Liren lost on time control after 37 moves as Gukesh drew level on points, wiping off the deficit of a first-round loss. The two played out a draw in the second game. "It feels great. I am quite happy, also the last two days I was happy with my play today was even better. I felt good on the board and I managed to outplay my opponent which is always very nice," the 18-year-old, who is the youngest ever challenger to the title, said after the game.

While the victory ahead of the first rest day was important for Gukesh as he levelled the score, it was some important decision-making and opening choice that paved the way for him.

Speaking about his preparation, Gukesh said, "I was prepared until the 13th move, I guess he was trying to remember something but maybe he mixed up I thought the way he reacted was not the most precise way and then I think I just got a very nice position." It was on the 18th turn when Ding played a huge positional error when he could have been just fine.

"I think I underestimated that move and thought I should be good, now that I am seeing it, it all looks a bit shaky," admitted Gukesh.

Liren conceded that he had completely missed white's 23rd move.

Asked if Liren's time pressure had any impact, Gukesh said he wanted to just win the game cleanly but there was excitement as Liren had very little time left.

"I wasn't playing for time. I just like to finish it off clean," the Indian said when asked about the long time he took to make his moves closer to the