Gukesh rues lost chances

'In the second half I had chances in many games. Today was a bad game, I won't draw too much out of it.'

Indian Challenger D Gukesh is visibly disappointed to have lost the advantage in the closing stage of the World Championships by surrendering the 12th game to Ding Liren, and admitted that he had many chances in the second-half of the intriguing contest.

With just two games to go, the championship match is heading towards an exciting finish. Both players are tied on six points each.

"This game is a bit of a disappointment. Luckily I have a rest day tomorrow, I will just try to play good games," Gukesh said after losing the 12th game.

The Indian teenager though said he and the defending champion were displaying quality chess in the second half of the match.

"In the second half I had chances in many games. Today was a bad game, I won't draw too much out of it. We both are playing better than the first half but I think I had more chances in the second half.

Speaking about the game in general, Gukesh said he thought he was okay.

"I was comfortable after the opening but then after his 16th move I was not sure”.

Not happy with his 17th move the Indian said it was just a “mistake”.

Speaking about his new opening choice, a reverse Benonin, Gukesh said, "I was prepared for a few moves, I didn't really exactly remember all the details, but I was aware of this position."

Speaking about the new match situation that puts both Liren and him on six points apiece, the Indian said, "Obviously it's not pleasant to lose this game. Yesterday also it could have gone either way. At least the scores are still tied, there are two more games remaining, so let's see."

Liren said he took a lot of rest after the debacle on Sunday.

"Yesterday was a difficult game to deal with since I was much better at one point and I just spent too little time on the critical moments. I spoiled a very promising position," he said.

On his preparation, the Chinese admitted he was surprised again

"I was caught by surprise in the opening I knew something but not this specific line. I put pressure on my opponent throughout the game and did not slip like in the last game.

"In the previous games it was not so clear. I was also under the danger of being worse, but today I realised I was much better," said Liren when asked about not pressing enough in the earlier games when he had chances.

Speaking about what revitalised his energy and how his trainer and mother helped, "Well (Richard) Rapport sent me a file called strike back, and my mom said 'you did it last time and you can do it again'."