Game 9 of the 2024 World Chess Championship did not reach any great heights. After the excitement of the previous two days, this game saw both players try to avoid any risky positions to create winning chances. The only real point of interest was the tactical interplay around move 20, which saw Gukesh gain a passed pawn on the c file, but Ding always had this under control. The two players clearly understood that there was nothing more in the position, but entertained the spectators by quickly playing out an ending that finished with KvK.
Today is a rest day, which also coincides with me heading home from Singapore. It was an interesting experience being onsite for 3 of the games, as well as watching the concurrent Singapore International Open. My prediction that Ding's winning chances improve the longer he goes without falling behind still stands. Nonetheless I will be surprised if it goes to a playoff, because if it does, then I would tip Gukesh to prevail.
FIDE World Championship Match 2024 Singapore SGP (9), 5.12.2024
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