Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is still third on 9.5 points in the Norway Chess tournament.
While the mind games will go on in the last two games and a potential tiebreaker, American Hikaru Nakamura and world number one Magnus Carlsen feel that the balance had tilted slightly in Ding Liren's favour.
Gukesh had an exciting match against Nepomniachtchi out of a Catalan opening game on Tuesday.
The second day of the final will also feature four games and the tie-break if required.
'Gukesh displayed incredible fighting spirit, outstanding mental toughness, insane self-confidence, all qualities of a champion, and he just turned 18 at the end of May.'
After securing his victory, an emotional Gukesh couldn't hold back tears. The weight of the moment hit him as tears streamed down his face.
Viswanathan Anand is the third Indian in the top 10, occupying the 10th spot with an ELO rating of 2750.
Grandmaster D Gukesh threw one salvo after another to beat world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway, Levon Aronian of Armenia and eventually reigning world champion Ding Liren of China on the first day of the Weissenhaus Chess Challenge that got underway in Wangels (Germany).
'Thanks Superstar @rajinikanth sir for your warm wishes and inviting, spending time and sharing your wisdom with us.'
Gukesh, Liren eye breakthrough after series of draws in the Chess World C'ship.
Winning three and drawing the remaining six games, Firouzja remained undefeated throughout the event.
The 18-year-old Gukesh claimed the title by beating China's Ding Liren in Singapore on Thursday.
India has submitted its bid to host the much-anticipated World Chess Championship clash between teen sensation D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren of China in November-December this year.
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa lost to World Champion Ding Liren in the Armageddon tie-breaker after the two played out a draw under normal time control in the second round.
R Praggnanandhaa squandered a winning position against Wesley So of America while World Championship challenger D Gukesh settled for a hard-fought draw
'I beat the strongest player in the world. Gukesh is in a different situation because Magnus is there'
D Gukesh once again matched the defending champion, Ding Liren of China, during the ongoing 11th game of their FIDE World Chess Championship
Hungary will officially host the 45th edition of the Olympiad for the first time, having hosted the second unofficial Chess Olympiad in 1926.
Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh played out a hard-fought draw yet again, signing peace with top seed and local favourite Fabiano Caruana.
'In the second half I had chances in many games. Today was a bad game, I won't draw too much out of it.'
Ding, who could become the first Chinese male to win the world title, began the tournament admitting he felt like there was "something wrong" with his mind.
'I know I'm pretty, but please do not touch me' in a reference to his growing fanbase, especially young lady admirers.'
D Gukesh paid dearly for unwarranted complications in the middle game, allowing defending champion Ding Liren of China to clinch the opening game
R Praggnanandhaa navigated his match against the reigning world champion Ding Liren with remarkable ease
Chennai-based Grandmaster Gukesh on Thursday became the youngest world chess champion at 18 years after beating title-holder Ding Liren of China
Anand's post affectionately dubbed Gukesh as the 'boy who would be king'
Ding will face a stern challenge from the 18-year-old Gukesh, who "doesn't make any mistakes at all" and has had a terrific run in 2024.
With a maximum of 11 games remaining under classical time control, the scores are tied at 1.5-1.5. This was after Liren won the opener and the second game ended in a draw.
Gukesh secured a decisive victory in just 37 moves, showcasing his exceptional tactical prowess and strategic acumen.
D Gukesh and R Praggnanadhaa played out their eighth draw in as many games at the Sinquefield Cup.
World Championship challenger Dommaraju Gukesh survived by the skin of his teeth against compatriot Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.
'I see an unjust personal attack by some players, probably due to sheer jealousy.'
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh, the youngest player ever to qualify for the World Chess Championship, held defending champion Ding Liren to a draw in their fourth-round encounter in Singapore on Friday.
Following his victory, the 18 year old spoke to International Chess Federation (FIDE) in a freewheeling interview about his love for chess and how he continues to be a student of the game.
The final moments of D Gukesh's historic World Chess Championship victory were as unforgettable as the achievement itself.
If Gukesh prevails in the end, he would break the current record set by the legendary Garry Kasparov, who became world champion at the age of 22 in 1985.
World champion D Gukesh climbed to a career-high No 3 ranking, while compatriot R Praggnanandhaa broke back into the top 10 in the latest FIDE classical ratings released on Saturday.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa scored a massive, hard-earned victory over world number two Fabiano Caruana of the United States and made his way to the top 10 of world rankings after the end of fifth round of the Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger.
'I'm excited to celebrate with my team and friends. There's a little secret, though.'
