Endgame essentials: Lessons from the World Champion

Eighteen-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju's win in his first ever World Championship Match is the triumph of a youngster's fearless determination and unwavering self-belief.

- Soumya Swaminathan is an International Master and Woman Grandmaster in Chess. She has been World Junior Champion and Commonwealth Gold Medalist

With his victory in the final classical game of his 14-game Match against Ding Liren, Gukesh smoothly transitioned from Youngest Challenger to the 18th World Chess Champion.

The Final position from this game will likely be seen on the back of many T-shirts in the months to come!

Ding Liren (2728) vs D. Gukesh (2783), Game 14, WCH 2024.

Ding Liren playing White here, resigned. He shook hands with his opponent, and left the Board quickly, as he realized that White would lose this position by force; thereby allowing Gukesh to savour his moment of triumph all by himself inside the 'Fish Tank' tournament venue.

Let us discuss what factors led Ding to resign: Black is a pawn up in this endgame, with the more advanced pawns, and after his last move 58...Ke5, Black has brought his King in Direct Opposition against White's King, thus dominating his counterpart. These factors combine secure a decisive advantage for Black.