After game 11 of the FIDE World Championship 2023 match, on April 24, ended in a draw, with the score at 6-5 in favour of Russian chess grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi, Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren who was playing white in game 12, on Wednesday, April 26, opted for the Colle System - a rare sighting in top-level chess. Two games to go. #NepoDing pic.twitter.com/V1XNJuzLip — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) April 26, 2023 Before game 12 started, Ding trailed by one point with three rounds left to play. Indian chess grandmaster Vishy Anand who was following the game observed that Ding had two Whites and “while he would certainly try with Black as well, the likely assumption is that the White pieces offer the best chance of getting the desired point.” ALSO READ: World Chess Championship 2023: Game 11 ends in 39 moves On the other hand, Nepomniachtchi needed 1½ points to become the new World Champion. He knew that if he beat Ding in game 12 he would be just one draw away from the title. He started off playing very accurately and Ding got totally stuck on the kingside. But then, after a while, the Russian grandmaster proved that he too is so human, after all. After 28...Bb8? fortunes seemed to reverse, with the engines then strongly preferring Ding's position after 29. Bxg6. Things looked even far better at 35. Rxe6 as Ding had a bag full of advantages. Nepomniachtchi cursed. 35.Rxe6 brings White +6 advantage Irina Krush: It's getting exciting. You don't want to miss this part. pic.twitter.com/VZBl1o78Pd — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) April 26, 2023 At some point, Anand tweeted: “So once again the Ian curse. He was playing quickly and well and suddenly the opposite!” Ian Nepomniachtchi cursing at the board after missing Rxe6 #NepoDing pic.twitter.com/gkEqYsy6tg — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) April 26, 2023 In the end, Ding won the nerve-racking game and equalised the match score. Anand tweeted: “Nepo resigns and the match is tied. Nepo played at an incredible level and deserved to win. However, Ding is showing courage and taking big risks. It seems that he had to face the prospect of losing the match before luck smiled on him. “Chess can be tragedy and joy at the same time.” ALSO READ: Former world champion Kasparov calls April’s world title match ‘amputated event’ After Wednesday’s encounter, so far, two games remain for Nepomniachtchi and Ding to decide who becomes the 17th undisputed world chess champion in a 14-game match. In case of a 7-7 tie, rapid playoffs will follow.
