Susan Polgar says Ding Liren’s win over Gukesh at World Chess Championship was his best in 2 years; ‘Where has this Ding been?’

Susan also lauded Liren, who was immaculate in the 12t game to level the score 6-6.

“This is Ding’s best game in the past 2 years. This is his real strength when he is in good form. What a statement to make after a horrible blunder yesterday,” said Susan.

Someone please report brutality on the board! Where has this Ding been in the last 2 years?#DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/sQcLpJ2Ao2

— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) December 9, 2024

Susan believes this will be a big test for the 18-year-old Gukesh to bounce back after this heartbreaking loss against Ding in the World Chess Championship Game 12.

“This will be Gukesh’s biggest test in his young career! How to come back from such a loss? Luckily, he has a day off to recuperate.

“For those who said that Gukesh would destroy, demolish, humiliate, and massacre Ding, they were all wrong! As I said all along, this will be a close match, and it will be.

“Do not count either player out yet! Sit back and enjoy!”

Game over! 6-6 with 2 to go!

This is Ding’s best game in the past 2 years. This is his real strength when he is in good form. What a statement to make after a horrible blunder yesterday!

This will be Gukesh’s biggest test in his young career! How to come back from such a loss?… pic.twitter.com/BRZ3iYzOxY

— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) December 9, 2024

Susan also explains dos and the don’ts for both the grandmasters in the last two rounds.

Susan on Gukesh

“Keep the pressure and steer the games towards sharper and more dynamic positions like in game 11.”

Susan on Ding

“Keep the pressure but keep the game towards a more positional and static positions like in game 12.”

The score is 6-6 with 2 games left! How should they approach the last 2?

– Gukesh: Keep the pressure and steer the games towards sharper and more dynamic positions like in game 11.

– Ding: Keep the pressure but keep the game towards a more positional and static positions like… pic.twitter.com/ufeqphoB7z

— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) December 9, 2024

What they must not do?

“Get into time pressure. This would be bad for both sides as blunders can happen with little time on the clock and no increments (until move 41).

“Think about the playoff and become impulsive,” she said.