Another piece of Rock n Roll from both players. Ding wheeled
out the French Defence as he did in game one and walked in some
wonderful prep by team Gukesh. Ding’s position looked liked it was
ready to go under, he was trailing (again) on the clock and Gukesh had
the move 11.Qg4 on the board which I was screaming out to be played.
I give an interesting variation if Black plays 17...Nxd4 here.
Gukesh at last out of his prep and slightly put off by Ding’s stubborn
defence drifted slightly but throughout the whole game he put kept the
pressure on. Ding held out and we went in to a book drawn Rook ending.
6½ - 6½ last classical game tomorrow. it has been a great match
I also step back in time to Game 12.
I mentioned that White was threatening Bxh6 gch6 Nf6+ winning the Queen.
I have an RHP game with the same tactic in mind but Black need not have lost
Blog Post 634