Singapore . Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh said he is focusing on taking one game at a time and is hopeful of making a strong comeback at the Chess World Championship soon. This 18-year-old player from Chennai aims to become the youngest world champion in chess by defeating Ding Liren. Gukesh made a comeback on Tuesday by drawing the second game against the Chinese player while playing with black pieces. Earlier on Monday, Liren had won the opening match by taking advantage of the mistake of the Indian player playing with white pieces.
“Today was a good day and hopefully we will have more good days to come,” Gukesh said after the second match of the 14-game match. “Draws with black pieces are always important in a World Championship match,” he said. It is good. This match is still in the early stages and we still have a lot of time.” Liren had won the previous World Championship title against Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi after falling behind three times. In such a situation, Gukesh also has every chance to make a comeback.
Gukesh said, “There is bound to be pressure on any player playing in the World Championship. There is a lot of pressure here. However, I am looking at it as a challenge to represent so many people and my country. I am taking one match at a time. Hopefully, I will be able to turn things in my favor.” Gukesh said, ”I think after being surprised in the beginning (due to the loss in the first match), I did not give Liren any chance. It was a strong match with the black pieces.
He said, “I think I will try to play good matches, because ultimately the only thing you can do to win is to play well.” The player who reaches 7.5 points in this championship will be the winner. Its prize money is $2.5 million. Liren, 32, from China said he was satisfied with drawing the second game. He said, “In the initial match I tried something new and obviously you need a lot of memory to do that. Even today I tried something out of the box. I have prepared a lot for such moves.” He said, ”I think there will be a tough competition tomorrow. He is one point behind and has the white pieces, so I am ready to give him a fight.