The distinction between draws and unremarkable draws is significant, and Game 9 of the World Championship match clearly fell into the latter category. The board saw minimal action, with the vitality of the position dissipating early on, leading to a prolonged wait for both competitors to conclude the game with a handshake. This marked the sixth consecutive draw in the series of nine games. The contest between the reigning world champion, Ding Liren, and challenger Gukesh now proceeds to a rest day, with the scores tied at 4.5-4.5. There are still five classical games remaining.

In Thursday's match, Gukesh, playing with the White pieces, opted for the uncommon 10.Bc3 moves in the Catalan Opening, deviating from the more typical bishop placement on f4. Ding found himself in a challenging position, spending considerable time contemplating his next moves. By move 16, he had an hour less on his clock compared to Gukesh.

Reflecting on the game, Gukesh noted that he may have played 20. Qb5 a bit hastily. Computer analysis indicated that advancing the Knight from c4 to e5 would have been the optimal move at that moment, as it would have applied sustained pressure on Black, supported by the Catalan bishop. Instead, Gukesh chose to exchange his knight on c4 rather than reposition it to e5 or c6. The move 20.Qb5 led to a simplification of the position, effectively erasing any earlier advantage he had held.

Gukesh remarked, "It was a highly precise game from both players. Perhaps I had a slight advantage after 16.Ba5, but I think 20.Qb5 was played a bit hastily. When I opted for 20.Qb5, I overlooked the possibility of him responding with 21...Qa7 and 22...Rb8. There were numerous tactical opportunities in that position, yet it ultimately favoured Black."

In response to a question regarding the tied score, Ding stated, "This indicates that we are equally matched. Neither player has a distinct advantage in this match, making it challenging to secure a victory."

Gukesh has generally found success with his opening strategies while playing White, causing Ding to consume significant time on the clock, similar to what occurred in Game 9. However, he has struggled to convert advantageous positions into a win. At critical junctures, Gukesh has occasionally rushed his decisions, as evidenced by his play before 20.Qb5, despite having a comfortable time advantage.

Ultimately, Ding managed to secure a straightforward draw with Black, which he will find satisfactory given the even scores at this advanced stage of the match. Should the competition proceed to rapid tiebreaks, the reigning world champion may feel he is in a favourable position. When questioned about this, he smiled and noted that it was "too early" to contemplate the tiebreaks, emphasizing that "the draws can be broken at any moment."

Ding has thus far demonstrated solid defensive skills and has been willing to accept draws even in slightly advantageous positions, which may reflect his confidence levels.

With little action occurring during Thursday's game, commentators took the opportunity to reminisce. On the chess24 live broadcast, Anish Giri recounted his loss to Ding in 2019, noting that the Chinese grandmaster was at his peak then, and even at that time, confidence was not his strongest attribute. "I recall that during the opening, Ding was shaking his head slightly, appearing dismissive of his opening strategy. His body language conveyed a sense of pessimism regarding his chances, which contributed to my miscalculations in the game. I remember feeling quite secure and proceeded accordingly."

Both players were inquired about their engagement with analyses from other prominent grandmasters and former world champions regarding the match. Gukesh expressed a clear preference for avoiding social media during tournaments, stating, “I generally refrain from browsing the internet. It is not particularly challenging for me, as I am accustomed to limiting my social media usage.”

Conversely, Ding seems to hold a somewhat different perspective. He does not view it as a distraction. “The internet can occasionally serve as a means to alleviate stress following a game... I noticed comments suggesting that I consistently underestimate my position while my opponent tends to overestimate his and that I always settle for a draw when in a favourable position,” he remarked with a smile, “It did not impact me... they are merely stating the truth.”

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