FIDE World Championship - Gukesh's odds faded in a draw against Ding in Game 7

Day 7 of Game 7 in FIDE World Championship

Gukesh's odds faded in a draw against Ding's robust defense.

Game 7 began with the Knight (Nf3) on the board in the initial move, with Gukesh playing the white pieces. A Reti opening with unique lines led Ding to carefully select moves from a variety of options throughout the game as moves were made over the board.

With the opposite coloured Bishop's in a fianchetto position waiting to participate in tactics, a long game which swinged back and forth mostly in favour of Gukesh. Ding with a strong defence gave few chances but was extremely careful to hold the game to a draw. 

After the Queens were removed from the board following a series of moves, the focus shifted to Rooks with Ding's strong Knight and Gukesh's Bishop. Ding appears to favor the Knight over the Bishop, using his powerful Knight to strategically defend the board and capture scattered pawns.

Gukesh's opportunities were squandered on the 40th moves, leading to a draw where all pawns vanished, leaving only the white square Bishop by Gukesh's side. A battle against time ensued, but the added bonus time enabled both players to strategize and secure a draw.

A relieved Ding and disappointed Gukesh acknowledged their thoughts during the press conference with missed conversion. The tension was palpable as Ding and Gukesh faced off in a battle resulting in a nail-biting draw with the score chart balanced with 3.5 points each.

More action to ensue from the upcoming rounds with game 8 scheduled tonight. Both players should rest to recuperate from the intense game. A memorable encounter leading to the next.