Ding Liren beats Topalov 3 – 1

Ding Liren continues to improve!

One of the most exciting mini-matches in recent years saw number #1 Chinese star Ding Liren defeat former World Champion Vasily Topalov in Wenzhou, China.

Taking place between the 10th and the 14th of this month, the prize fund was $20k for the winner and $10k for the loser. Time control was 90/40 followed by 30 minutes to finish (plus 30′ per move).

Every game was hard fought, with neither player holding anything back. Only the 4th game was one sided, a beautiful positional masterpiece that saw the Chinese star slowly strangle his experienced rival.

Ding Liren has now gone 78 games since losing (!), something of a record in modern times at the top. I had written a number of years ago that he was a future world champion, and I have no doubt that in the next world championship cycle it is gong to take more than falling off a bicycle to stop Ding Liren.

Topalov – Ding Liren Game 1 (0-1)

Ding Liren – Topalov Game 2 (draw)

Topalov – Ding Liren Game 3 (draw)

 

Ding Liren – Topalov Game 4 (1-0)

 

LINK TO MORE PHOTOS AND INFO (chinese)

And the winner is…