India’s D. Gukesh to start with White in first round against China’s Ding Liren

NEW DELHI: India’s D. Gukesh will have the white pieces when he takes on reigning champion China’s Ding Liren in the first round of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 on Monday.

During the drawing of lots announcement on Saturday in Singapore, Gukesh received the lighter pieces while Ding will have the dark pieces in the first game of the title clash.

This year’s tournament marks the first time in 138 years that two Asian players will pitted against each other in the World Chess Championship, which is offering a prize fund of USD 2.5 million.

While Gukesh has been in fine touch, Liren has struggled in the lead-up to the prestigious event.

“For me, it’s pretty clear who I’m going to face. I’m going to face Ding Liren, who has been one of the best players in the world for more than a decade,” Gukesh said at the pre-tournament press conference. Agencies

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