World Chess Championship Opening Game Surprise

• Ding Liren, defending champion, chose a French Defence against D. Gukesh, a challenger.

• Ding’s opening move was not his favorite from the black side, but it was used in his World championship match against Ian Nepomniachtchi last year.

• Ding won the game, marking a significant victory for his title defense.

• Gukesh, a young challenger, was not bothered by Ding’s French move and played his moves quickly.

• Ding countered with his ‘a’ pawn, which proved useful in the end, and Gukesh resigned on the 42nd move.

• The result was a historical surprise, marking the first time the opening game of a World championship match produced a result after 2010.