12.1.24 Game 6 of the World Chess Championship was an incredible display of fighting spirit, psychology, and online grit. After a Modernized 21st Century Hybrid London System opening battle in which Ding stood better, the game proceeded to a triple-repeat offer by Ding. The draw was spurned by Gukesh to the delight of his fans but then he had to struggle to hold the position. After players made the time control on move 40, they did repeat the position and shook hands on move 46.

The opening battle was clearly won by Ding. After 16.dxe5, an almost humorous split screen was on display. While Gukesh worked hard at the board, Ding could be seen relaxing in his backstage room enjoying a banana.

The evaluation of the position was 0.00 as is often the case in the late opening at the top levels but it was a nightmare to calculate. When Gukesh played 17...Be6 that indicated he did not know the top engine line. Meanwhile, Ding was blitzing out moves from his preparation. 

Still, on move 21, Ding thought for 42 minutes and 42 seconds--the longest think thus far in the Match--because he knew Gukesh's 20...Qf5 was not the best and wanted to come up with a powerful response. He played 21.Qxc6 and the game continued.

The next milestone came when Gukesh spurned the draw with 26...Qh4 a move commentators called a huge mistake. Gukesh explained his choice in the post-game press conference by saying, "I like to play chess." Credit must be given to the Challenger for reacting well to Ding's preparation and for his calm fighting chess.

A question was posed to Ding in the press conference asking if he was aware of a meme originating in China that showed "Ding chilling" with an ice cream. He responded by asking, "What is the meaning of chill?" and that he had not eaten ice cream while in Singapore. This got a big laugh from the press gallery, the Master of Ceremonies GM Maurice Ashley, and Gukesh Dommaraju himself.

A well-prepared Ding Liren during the opening of Game 6.

(image courtesy FIDE/Maria Emelianova)

The Ding Chilling meme going viral on social media.

(image courtesy internet meme)

Fun Fact: The players were asked what is their favorite chess or non-chess book. Both agreed that Game Changer: AlphaZero's Groundbreaking Chess Strategies and the Promise of AI by Matthew Sadler and Natasha Regan was their favorite.

Tomorrow is a rest day. The Match continues with Game 7 on Tuesday, December 3rd at 4:00 a.m. eastern (5:00 p.m. local time in Singapore).

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