For the second game in a row, India’s D Gukesh failed to capitalise on a big advantage and landed in an inferior position as Game 8 ended in a draw with reigning champion Ding Liren of China defending brilliantly to turn things around in another edge-of-the-seat roller-coaster here.

Gukesh had a big advantage in position and time and the Chinese player, looked on his way to defeat, but just like in Game 7 on Tuesday, he came up with a risky plan and grabbed the advantage. He offered a draw by repetition of moves despite having a slight advantage but the 18-year-old Indian courageously rejected the offer. The game eventually ended in a draw after more than four-and-half hours thrilling action that lasted 51 moves.