The Chinese Ding Liren wins the first round of the World Chess Championship in Singapore. In a furious game, the world champion defeated his challenger Gukesh from India after four hours and 42 moves. Ding hadn’t played well before the World Cup and hadn’t won a game for a long time. That’s why many gave Gukesh the better chances.

Now Thing with the black pieces chose the French defense, which is rarely played at the highest level. Gukesh wasn’t surprised at first, but lost track and crucial material in the middle game. So Ding takes the lead 1-0. Whoever reaches 7.5 points first is the new world champion.

The second game starts on Tuesday at 10 a.m. German time.

A detailed report from our chess reporter Ulrich Stock will follow shortly.