FIDE World Championship - Ding misses to convert in Game 5 against Gukesh

My thoughts ...

Day 5 Game 5 of FIDE World Championship

Another game played with the King pawn from Gukesh with an e4 move on the board expecting Ding to respond with a French defence opening line. Indeed, Gukesh's wish was fulfilled with the French defence which considered as Ding's favourite. However, soon after the second pawn move on the board, it was captured to create an isolated pawn in the centre.  Ding's strategic moves kept the game intriguing as he advanced his pawn, claiming territory in Gukesh's domain.

Despite the early Queen's removal from the board and the black's King being placed in the center, Ding strategically activated the Rooks and utilized the open file, although there were some weaknesses in Bishop development.

The game entered an early Queenless endgame with Knights, Bishops, Rooks and pawns in play. The match is anticipated to be lengthy, with both players carefully managing time to reach the 40th move for a time bonus.

At this point, Gukesh made a critical move in the game, but Ding missed on the advantage to convert to a win, allowing Gukesh to draw with opposite colored Bishops and pawns.

Ding Liren chances of winning with the black pieces against Gukesh ends in a draw. The result of 1/2 - 1/2 from this game keeps the score chart well balanced with another game of chess on day 5 with 2.5 points each.  

With more matches to be played by Ding Liren and Gukesh D, the favourite for the title of World Championship is unknown for now.