Testing the waters

After a tough start, Gukesh needed a comeback - victory would stabilize, a draw would offer hope, but a loss could be a disaster | Photo: Eng Chin An

Gukesh had to be cautious… especially because he was playing with black pieces | Photo: Eng Chin An

Everyone was curious: What would Ding play in the opening? | Photo: Maria Emelianova

Safe play or a risky push? | Photo: Eng Chin An

e4… again! Not his usual d4 | Photo: Maria Emelianova

Soon we saw the Italian opening on the board | Photo: Eng Chin An

Ding played 9. a5… puzzling his opponent | Photo: Maria Emelianova

Trap or opportunity? | Photo: Eng Chin An

Well… not falling for that one! | Photo: Eng Chin An

Oops… he escaped. Now what? | Photo: Eng Chin An

Double rooks, double knights - neither side gained ground. Ding decided to repeat the moves. | Photo: Eng Chin An

To draw or not to draw? That is the question. | Photo: Maria Emelianova

After a deep think, Gukesh obliged! The game ended in a draw after 23 moves | Photo: Maria Emelianova

Their expressions spoke louder than their moves! | Photo: Maria Emelianova

Ding was surely happy with the result! | Photo: Maria Emelianova

Gukesh stays calm with his approach – ‘One game at a time’  | Photo: Eng Chin An

Stay tuned! There is more to capture! | Photo: Maria Emelianova

How the chess world reacted: