GM Ding Liren produced the latest surprise in the seventh game of the 2023 FIDE World Championship, opting for a French Defense to combat GM Ian Nepomniachtchi‘s 1.e4 but fell at the crucial moment after blundering in time pressure. Though Ding built a promising position, capitulation ensued after a tense encounter where all three results were possible.
With the scores now at 4-3, Ding will need to press with the white pieces in game eight on Tuesday, April 20, at 15:00 Astana time (2 a.m. PT/11:00 CEST) after a rest day.
This is a flash report. The full report including photographs, videos, and game annotations will be added soon.
How to watch the 2023 FIDE World Championship
GM Rafael Leitao analyzes the full game below.
Match Score
| Fed | Name | Rtg | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Score |
| Ding Liren | 2788 | ½ | 0 | ½ | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | 3 | |
| Ian Nepomniachtchi | 2795 | ½ | 1 | ½ | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | . | . | . | . | . | . | . | 4 |
The 2023 FIDE World Championship is the most important over-the-board classical event of the year and decides who will be the next world champion. Nepomniachtchi and Ding play a match to decide who takes over Carlsen’s throne after the current world champion abdicated his title. The match has a €2 million prize fund and is played over 14 classical games; the first player to gain 7.5 points wins.
Previous Coverage
https://www.chess.com/news/view/fide-world-chess-championship-2023-game-7