India's Grandmaster D Gukesh on Wednesday logged this first win against defending champion Ding Liren in World

The world’s youngest World Championship challenger, India’s D. Gukesh, made a strong comeback, handing defending champion China’s Ding Liren his first loss of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 in the third round at the Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore on Wednesday.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh, playing with white pieces, won Game 3 on Wednesday. Reigning champion Ding Liren lost on time after a mad scramble.

It feels great. The last two days I was happy with my play. My play today was even better, I feel good at the board and today I just managed to outplay my opponent which is always nice,' Gukesh told reporters after 3rd round win.

D. Gukesh needed to win a game in the World Chess Championship 2025, especially after a disastrous start, losing the first game with white pieces.

Just as the World Championship heads into its first rest day, Gukesh's win is significant, both in its manner and its timing.

The Indian teenager and Chinese champion Ding Liren are tied on 1.5 points after Game 3, going into the first rest day in Singapore

The 18-year-old triumphed in the third game of the series on Wednesday, drawing level after his opening-round loss.

D Gukesh and Ding Liren drew their second game in the World Chess Championship, leaving Ding with a one-point lead. After Gukesh's opening game loss, he played cautiously with black in a Four Knights variation of the Italian opening.