Filatov’s accusations were made publicly on social media, where he suggested that Ding, who has been a prominent figure in international chess for several years, deliberately threw the game to Gukesh. According to Filatov, the loss came at a critical juncture in the competition, where Ding, despite his significant experience and skills, appeared unusually passive, allowing Gukesh to capitalize on relatively minor mistakes. This accusation quickly spread across various chess communities, leading to a series of discussions about the fairness of professional chess and the potential for match-fixing in high-stakes competitions.
Ding Liren, widely regarded for his calm and strategic gameplay, has yet to respond directly to Filatov's claims. However, his supporters and many in the chess community have firmly rejected the notion of any intentional misconduct. They point to Ding's well-documented career, marked by intense discipline and a string of notable victories, including his rise to the World Champion title in 2023. His fans argue that the outcome of the game in question was a reflection of Gukesh's exceptional talent rather than any strategic compromise on Ding's part.
Gukesh, meanwhile, has been hailed as one of the brightest young talents in the world of chess. At just 18 years old, he has already achieved significant milestones, and his victory over Ding has only solidified his reputation as a formidable opponent. Some of Gukesh’s supporters see the criticism directed at Ding as an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of his success, given his status as the underdog in the matchup.
The 2024 World Chess Championship match, which took place over several weeks in Singapore, was one of the most anticipated events in the chess calendar, featuring a high-stakes battle between Ding and Gukesh. The competition garnered global attention, particularly due to Gukesh's meteoric rise and his impressive performances leading up to the final match. Despite the dramatic claims made by Filatov, many analysts are praising Gukesh’s strategic ingenuity, which has proven to be a key factor in his victory.