“Ding Liren Accused of ‘Intentionally’ Losing to D Gukesh, Sparking Suspicion and Calls for Investigation”

A serious allegation has emerged regarding the outcome of the FIDE World Chess Championship, with China’s Ding Liren accused of ‘deliberately’ losing to India’s D Gukesh. Defending champion Ding Liren was left regretting the ‘blunder’ he made in the 14th and final game against Gukesh on Thursday. Liren’s misstep proved to be costly, as Gukesh seized the opportunity to become the youngest world champion in chess history. While many in the chess community celebrated the 18-year-old Gukesh’s historic achievement, Andrei Filatov, head of the Russian Chess Federation, has accused Liren of intentionally losing the match.

A serious allegation has been raised regarding the outcome of the FIDE World Chess Championship, with China’s Ding Liren accused of ‘deliberately’ losing to India’s D Gukesh. In the final game of the championship, Liren’s costly blunder in the 14th game allowed Gukesh to seize the opportunity and make history as the youngest world chess champion ever. While the chess community largely celebrated the 18-year-old Gukesh’s achievement, Andrei Filatov, the head of the Russian Chess Federation, has accused Liren of intentionally losing the match.

Russian news agency TASS quoted Filatov urging the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to investigate the result. “The final game’s outcome left many professionals and chess fans puzzled. The actions of the Chinese player in the decisive moments are highly suspicious and warrant an investigation,” he said. Filatov further stated, “Losing from the position Ding Liren was in is difficult even for a top player. The defeat raises many questions and appears intentional.”

Gukesh, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, became only the second Indian to win the prestigious title after Anand, who claimed the crown five times. Anand, now semi-retired, played a crucial role in mentoring Gukesh at his Chennai academy.

Gukesh secured the required 7.5 points, beating Liren, who earned 6.5 points, after winning the 14th and final game, which had seemed likely to end in a draw for most of the match. As the winner, Gukesh will take home $1.3 million (approximately ₹11.03 crore) from the $2.5 million prize purse.

After the historic win, Gukesh shared, “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. I’m happy to have made it a reality.” The usually reserved teenager smiled broadly and raised his arms in celebration, a rare moment of emotion that saw a tear or two escape his eyes. “I got a bit emotional because I wasn’t expecting to win,” he admitted.