Ding Liren shines in St.Louis

Ding Liren: Relentless!

Chinese superstar, Ding Liren, aged 26 and the #2 (or #3) rated player in the world today, does not have a flashy personna like many of his colleagues who participate in the elite tournaments. But what Ding Liren lacks in way of glitz, he more than makes up with  single minded determination to keep learning and improving.

The Sinquefield Cup

Ding Liren’s play at the just concluded Sinquefield Cup was nothing short of magnificent. His wins against Caruana and Giri are text book examples of how to exploit very small advantages. Fischer at his best. Capablanca at his best.

Below I take a brief look at his game with Fabiano Caruana from round 9. A standard Queen’s Gambit Declined, Caruana played a topical variation that has an excellent reputation amongst elite grandmasters. With subtle manoeuvres Ding Liren built up some pressure and a slight initiative, obliging Caruana to play his best.

This cost the American star time on the clock, a factor that became decisive when Caruana made a slight but serious imprecision. After that Ding Liren did not look back as he took in the full point, giving him the sole lead of the tournament. One of the best games of the year!

gm Ding Liren – gm Caruana,F
St.Louis 26.8.2019
(1-0)

Download the pgn here