FIDE Dismisses Allegations of Match-Fixing in 2024 World Chess Championship
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has responded firmly to allegations of Match-Fixing suggesting China’s Ding Liren deliberately lost to India’s D Gukesh during the 2024 World Chess Championship held in Singapore. The claims, raised by Russian Chess Federation chief Andrei Filatov, called for an investigation into the match, particularly Ding’s decisive blunder in Game 14 that led to Gukesh’s historic win.
Russian Official Calls for Investigation
Russian news agency TASS quoted Filatov, who expressed skepticism over Ding’s uncharacteristic error, where he moved his Rook adjacent to his King, allowing Gukesh to clinch the title. Filatov described Ding’s gameplay as “extremely suspicious” and urged FIDE to examine the outcome thoroughly. “The defeat of the Chinese chess player in today’s game raises a lot of questions and looks like a deliberate one,” Filatov said.
FIDE Chief Rubbishes Claims
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich dismissed the allegations, emphasizing the nature of competitive sports. “Sports is about mistakes. Without mistakes, there would be no goals in football. Every sportsman makes mistakes, and that’s what creates excitement—whether the opponent can capitalize on them,” Dvorkovich said at the closing ceremony of the tournament.
Gukesh’s Remarkable Triumph
D Gukesh, just 18 years old, achieved a milestone in chess history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. The Indian prodigy secured 7.5 points against Ding’s 6.5 in the 14-game classical format. Despite the controversy surrounding his victory, Gukesh’s performance was lauded globally, cementing his reputation as a rising star in the chess world.
Prize Money and Legacy
With his win, Gukesh walked away with a $1.3 million prize (approximately ₹11.03 crore) from the $2.5 million prize pool. The championship was marked by intense competition, with the final game showcasing both players’ skills before Ding’s critical misstep.
A Sport Defined by Precision and Errors
While allegations of match-fixing cast a shadow over the tournament, chess experts highlight the inherent pressure and unpredictability of the game. Mistakes, even by top players, are an integral part of competitive chess, making it the cerebral battle that captivates millions worldwide.
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