Good afternoon from a rather pleasant Sentosa. It is not hot at all, but the action on the chessboard at Equarius Hotel certainly is. Game 9 will kick off shortly with the scoreboard reading 4-4.
It has been a very even battle between the youthful exuberance of D. Gukesh and the experience and calmness of Ding Liren. Last five games have all been draws; the last decisive result we have had was in the third game. But the games, especially the last two, have been fascinating to watch.
Yesterday, both the men had chances for a win, but neither could find the right move. Also, Gukesh ignoring an easier chance to draw and choosing to play on for a while more before the point was finally split.
Gukesh has white pieces today. So what will be his first move?
We soon will get to know.
