Bengaluru: The tranquillity observed in the previous matches was on the verge of significant upheaval.

The pivotal moment arrived in Game 11. In a contest characterized by fluctuating momentum that could have favoured either competitor, the outcome hinged on composure. The reigning world champion, Ding Liren, faltered and made a critical error. He now finds himself trailing in the World Championship match with only three classical games remaining. Gukesh not only secured a full point and assumed the lead in the match but also earned $200,000 for his victory in Game 11.

“This is an extremely significant win,” Gukesh remarked. “You may feel as though you are on the verge of losing, and then an opportunity presents itself. You escape from peril and suddenly realize that you can seize control of the game. It is a remarkably gratifying sensation. Essentially, I was just making moves, and the situation spiralled completely out of his control… We had been competing closely for the last seven games. I overlooked a few opportunities earlier. Given that this game could have easily swung in his favour, this win is particularly crucial. There are three more vital games ahead.” Of the remaining three matches, Ding will play with the White pieces in two.

Ding characterized the game as “challenging” for himself. This defeat must feel like a significant setback for the champion, especially so close to the conclusion. “By the fourth move, I was already uncertain if I had made the right decision. I recalled a game I played in a rapid tournament against (Baskaran) Adhiban, but I could not remember the subsequent moves. I spent 40 minutes calculating some irrelevant variations.”

Gukesh commenced with 1.Nf3 and introduced 3.b4, a novel opening strategy. He disclosed that 5.a3 – a new move in this position – was something his team had prepared and presented to him on Saturday night. “I was aware of the game he (Ding) played against Adhiban (in the 2021 Goldmoney Asian rapid online tournament). I found the a3 idea appealing, as it has rarely been employed before… However, what transpired afterwards was disastrous for me.”

The strategy for Gukesh entering Game 11 was to create a situation that was both advantageous and risky, relying on the possibility of outmanoeuvring Ding through superior preparation. "My team executed some remarkable work, and I found the line to be quite intriguing. The risk-reward ratio was favourable, as I was certain to catch him off guard." When directly asked whether his compatriot and fellow 2800 club member Arjun Erigaisi was assisting him in the match, Gukesh opted to avoid disclosing the identities of his team members.

"You will learn about the team soon… we will see after the match," Gukesh responded.

Regarding his hour-long contemplation before move 11, Gukesh expressed frustration over the position he found himself in. "It was such a standard position, and then suddenly my queen was trapped on F4, leaving me uncertain about my next move. At that moment, I was quite frustrated with myself; I struggled to regain my focus in the game. I was simply trying to make one move at a time to avoid immediate defeat. I believe that 16.a4 was a crucial resource, as initially, I had no clear plan in this position."

As the game progressed, both players found themselves short on time, with only one emerging victorious. "We both had less time than the number of moves remaining, making it feel almost like a blitz game. I was focused on making one move at a time to avoid losing on the spot, but that a4 move proved to be very significant."

The series of draws and Ding's cautious play with the white pieces suggested that the reigning champion aimed to guide the match towards tiebreaks. Gukesh indicated that he was not overly worried about the draws. "I believed there were several intriguing games ahead, and anything could happen. I was taking it one game at a time, and during today's match, I lost my composure at one point because I had achieved exactly what I wanted from the opening, only to lose my focus for a while. However, once I realized that I was not in a losing position and that I had opportunities, I managed to secure the win. It was primarily a sense of relief, as I was genuinely concerned at one stage."

Gukesh's victory in Game 11 brings him closer to securing the championship title. By the conclusion of this week, we may witness the crowning of an 18-year-old world champion from India.

"I noticed the support from Indian fans before the match," the young player remarked. "After the game, as I exited the playing hall, I could hear the delightful celebrations. Although I did not see them in person, the sounds were truly uplifting. What can I say? Indian fans are unparalleled. I am immensely thankful for all the encouragement. This match has been quite lengthy, and these small gestures provide me with the additional energy I require."

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