The fourth game of the 2024 FIDE World Championship between Ding Liren and Gukesh Dommaraju ended in a draw after a balanced fight. Despite massive exchanges and an attempt by both players to prolong the fight, neither managed to create a decisive advantage. The match score therefore remains tied, 2-2. Ding Liren, with the white pieces, surprised his opponent by opting for a Réti opening with 1.Nf3, an unusual approach in this context. On the fifth move, the world champion played 5.Ba3, an unusual choice intended to disorient Gukesh. Ding justified this decision by explaining that he was looking to surprise after having had a day off. However, the initiative obtained proved too limited to worry his opponent.
Gukesh reacted calmly to this original opening idea. The move 13…Ne5 allowed him to centralize his pieces and prepare a solid defense. Despite Ding’s attempt to create imbalances with 11.b4 and positional maneuvers, Gukesh neutralized the opposing threats without putting himself in danger. Both players agreed that the position offered White a slight advantage, but not enough to swing the game.
Towards the middle of the game, a series of exchanges led to a simplified endgame. Despite Gukesh’s attempt with 30…f5 to maintain some pressure, the game ultimately ended with a repetition of moves. The two players signed a draw after a long duel which left no winner.
Morocco
