World Championship Game 11: Quick Draw in 100 minutes
The eleventh game of FIDE World Championship Match 2023 was the shortest game in terms of duration. It lasted a little less than 100 minutes before it ended in a draw. Ian Nepomniachtchi opted for 8.a3 in the Ruy Lopez. It did not give Ding Liren a good feeling about the game as he recollected a memory of his tough loss at the FIDE Candidates 2020. Nevertheless, he mentioned that he did better this time. The score is now 6-5 in favor of the World no.2. Ding Liren reminded everyone that there are three games left and he has two whites. He finished the Candidates 2022 with a win which played a key role in him playing this match. Will he be able to bounce back? Today is a rest day. Game 12 starts tomorrow Wednesday 26th April at 3 p.m. local time, 2:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/Stev Bonhage
Only three games left
"Of course I will try my best in the last three games. Also, tomorrow will be a rest day. I have more time to prepare some extra ideas (laughs). " - Ding Liren.
Nepomniachtchi - Ding Liren, Game 11
"When he played 8.a3 I recalled that game. It was a very bad memory for me. He didn't push very hard to win with this line but White always maintains small advantages and Black has to be careful throughout. Today we played another line in this preparation and I guess my play was much better than last time." - Ding Liren on Nepomniachtchi playing 8.a3, the same as he did back in FIDE Candidates 2020.
"After 15.Ng5, at that point I played 15...c4. After c4, he always has a chance to equalize to the endgame. Instead of c4, if I played anything else then f4 comes, I would have been in danger of getting worse. So I don't think I had so many chance today." - World no.3 on if he had any chances to push for a win.
"You gotta be kidding no. Indeed, it's like three games. It's not like it's over obviously/ It's pretty much a clear match I think." - Nepomniachtchi on whether the critical games have passed or still ahead.
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Schedule
Every game starts at 3 p.m. local time, 2:30 p.m. IST. There is a rest day after every two games. Fifth game is on Saturday 15th April 2023.
