Ding Liren plays 10 consecutive draws! ⎸2018 Candidates, Round 10

March 22, 2018 NHaselton Uncategorized

Hanging PawnsThu, March 22, 2018 5:30pmURL:
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Ding Liren vs Wesley So, Queen’s Gambit Declined, D37
2018 Chess Candidates Tournament, Round 10

I must say I’m very disappointed with what Ding Liren and Wesley So have shown in this game, but also with what they had been showing throughout the Candidates Tournament. This was Ding’s 10th consecutive draw! I find that completely astonishing and can’t believe that any player would waste his chance at the world championship title in such fashion. In this game he had the white pieces and he failed to make a single attacking move, or to risk his position at all.

They played a peaceful Queen’s Gambit Declined position and traded most pieces and the queen before move 25. With this draw both players have lost a practical chance to win the tournament, and they only stand a mathematical chance now.

I have to say I expected more from both, and I’m sure they must have expected more themselves. At least we got another instructional theoretical opening example to study! The Queen’s Gambit Declined variation they’ve entered is called “the Harrwitz Attack”, which starts after 5.Bf4 by white. Not a variation you see too often, especially not on the top level.

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