Articles by Susan Ninan
‘Plan was to play long games and exhaust Ding’
In an interview to HT, Gukesh’s trainer Grzegorz Gajewski speaks about how the Indian’s team of seconds was built, the biggest challenge during the match, and the value of surprises
Published on Dec 13, 2024 09:32 PM IST
Youngest Indian GM to youngest chess champ
At 18, Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion, fulfilling a dream that began at 11, supported by his family's sacrifices and dedication.
Updated on Dec 13, 2024 04:49 AM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
Gukesh’s last classical game with White ends in draw
The challenger’s push for win didn’t fructify in the 69-move penultimate classical game against world champion Ding Liren
Updated on Dec 11, 2024 10:53 PM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
Gukesh’s hopes could hinge on which Ding he faces
Optimistic challenger versus pessimistic world champion – a lot of what happens next could be down to which version of Ding shows up
Published on Dec 10, 2024 10:35 PM IST
World chess: Ding Liren strikes back, levels match
A day after blundering to lose to D Gukesh, the world champion was flawless in Game 12 to level the World Chess Championship 6-6
Published on Dec 09, 2024 10:42 PM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
I was just trying to make one move at a time and not lose: Gukesh
He was fighting back after wasting the advantage of his opening only to see Ding blunder and resign on move 29
Updated on Dec 08, 2024 11:23 PM IST
Susan NinanSusan Ninan
World Chess Championship: Ding-Gukesh draw Game 10, tie-break chances grow
It was easily the most disappointing draw of the match as very little happened in Game 10. The match is tied 5-5 with four classical games left
Updated on Dec 07, 2024 09:40 PM IST
The ‘seconds’ and their role in high-stakes games
Ding Liren's team dynamics and the role of seconds in chess, highlighting their intense preparation and emotional support during World Championship matches.
Updated on Dec 07, 2024 06:52 AM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
A draw without fireworks leaves match even
Game 9 of the World Championship between Ding Liren and Gukesh ended in an uneventful draw, leaving the match tied at 4.5-4.5 with five games remaining.
Updated on Dec 05, 2024 10:37 PM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
World chess: Game 8 thriller ends in another draw
Both Gukesh and Ding had their chances in the 51-move game; the World Championship match remains tied at 4-4
Published on Dec 04, 2024 10:53 PM IST
Ding snatches draw from jaws of defeat
Gukesh has Ding on the ropes for most of Game 7 but the world champion digs deep to escape with scores level at halfway
Updated on Dec 04, 2024 05:00 AM IST
A chess contest that bucked all predictions
The World Championship match is tied 3-3, with Ding Liren's cautious play raising questions, while D Gukesh presses on despite challenges.
Updated on Dec 03, 2024 06:52 AM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
Inside the odd chess ritual of rivals unpacking their battle
In the World Championship, the victor and the vanquished sit side by side after every game, dissecting how they made each other’s lives a nightmare on the board
Published on Dec 02, 2024 09:35 PM IST
Susan NinanSusan Ninan
World Championship: India’s D Gukesh treads brave path in Game 6 draw vs Ding
The teenager spurned world champion Ding Liren’s early peace offer before battling to split the point after 46 moves
Published on Dec 01, 2024 10:18 PM IST
World chess c’ship: Gukesh escapes with draw in Game 5
In Game 5 of the World Championship, Ding Liren and D Gukesh settled for a quick draw, leaving the match tied at 2.5 points, with nine games remaining.
Updated on Nov 30, 2024 09:39 PM IST
Gukesh fends off surprise, draws Game 4 with Black
Reigning world champion Ding Liren trots out opening surprise, but game fizzles into a draw; scores tied at 2-2 in the World Championship
Published on Nov 29, 2024 10:41 PM IST
Can the emperor strike back?
Momentum is with Gukesh but a lot of what happens in the match could hinge on how reigning world champion Ding Liren recovers from the loss in Game 3
Published on Nov 28, 2024 09:34 PM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
World chess: Gukesh strikes back, levels match
The Indian teenager and Chinese champion Ding Liren are tied on 1.5 points after Game 3, going into the first rest day in Singapore
Updated on Nov 27, 2024 10:22 PM IST
Susan NinanSusan Ninan
Check this out, mate: A history of chess chairs
In the World Chess Championship, chair choices reflect players' preferences, impacting comfort and performance, as seen in past dramatic matches.
Updated on Nov 27, 2024 06:12 AM IST
World Chess: Gukesh regains poise, draws Game 2 with Ding
After losing with White on Monday, the challenger chose solid play and put up a careful defence to take half a point
Published on Nov 26, 2024 10:14 PM IST
World Chess: Ding catches Gukesh by surprise, wins Game 1
Indian teenager, playing with White, resigns after 42 moves as the Chinese reigning champion strikes first in 14-game match in Singapore
Updated on Nov 25, 2024 11:28 PM IST
Gukesh to begin battle to become youngest world chess champion
Indian teenager chases history as he faces champion Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship match starting in Singapore on Monday
Published on Nov 24, 2024 10:53 PM IST
Ding vs Gukesh: The calm before the storm
Gukesh to play with White pieces in Game 1; began preparing for the match only three weeks ago, says Ding
Published on Nov 23, 2024 09:55 PM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
Slouching tiger, hidden dragon?
Once fearsome, world chess champion Ding Liren has struggled with mental health setbacks but underestimate him at your peril
Published on Nov 22, 2024 10:18 PM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
We intend to do what Magnus did: Gukesh coach Gajewski
Grzegorz Gajewski reflects on lessons learned from past losses as he coaches D Gukesh for a World Championship match vs Ding Liren, emphasising mental health
Updated on Nov 21, 2024 09:34 PM IST
Susan Ninan, Bengaluru
D Gukesh: The boy out to win the world
At 18, D Gukesh aims for the World Chess Championship after becoming the youngest Candidates winner, showcasing immense talent and ambition in his journey.
Updated on Nov 21, 2024 01:19 AM IST
Gukesh clear favourite to be world champ: Magnus
Magnus Carlsen supports 18-year-old Indian prodigy D Gukesh ahead of the World Chess Championship, predicting pressure but potential for success.
Updated on Nov 13, 2024 06:12 AM IST
Susan Ninan, Kolkata
Magnus Carlsen interview: I probably will have the most fun playing Gukesh
In an exclusive chat with HT, the world No 1 spoke about what he thinks of India's top names, the upcoming World Championship, 2026 Candidates and his future
Updated on Nov 13, 2024 05:38 AM IST
Chennai Grand Masters: Aravindh wins his first classical Super tournament
There were some top players in the field but it was the 25-year-old India who walked away with top honours
Published on Nov 11, 2024 10:19 PM IST
I’m worried about losing very badly: Ding Liren
Ding hasn’t had a classical win since Wijk Aan Zee at the beginning of this year and he takes on Gukesh in the World Championship match later this month
Published on Nov 05, 2024 09:46 PM IST