**World Chess Championship 2024: Ding Liren vs. Gukesh Dommaraju - Key Details and Insights** The highly anticipated World Chess Championship 2024 is set to take place in Singapore, featuring China's Ding Liren defending his title against the rapidly emerging Indian prodigy, Gukesh Dommaraju. This match marks a historic moment as it is the first time in 138 years of world championship history that two players from Asia will compete for the prestigious title. As the championship approaches, here are some essential details and insights: **Match Schedule:** The championship will unfold over the next three weeks, with specific dates and times to be confirmed. **Predictions:** Analysts and chess enthusiasts are weighing in on who might emerge victorious. While Ding Liren, the reigning champion, has the experience and skill, Gukesh Dommaraju's rapid rise in the chess world has garnered significant attention, making the outcome uncertain. **Magnus Carlsen's Absence:** One of the most talked-about aspects of this championship is the absence of Magnus Carlsen, the former world champion and current world No. 1. Carlsen has opted not to participate, which has opened the door for new contenders like Ding and Gukesh to battle for the title. **Match Format and Prize Money:** The championship will follow the traditional format, consisting of a series of games where the first player to reach a predetermined number of points will be declared the winner. Details regarding the prize money have yet to be disclosed, but it is expected to be substantial, reflecting the prestige of the event. As the championship draws near, excitement is building around this historic matchup, with fans eager to see how the clash between experience and youthful talent will unfold.

Fabiano Caruana, currently ranked world No. 2, successfully defended his title at the US Championship held in St. Louis, finishing with an impressive unbeaten score of 7 out of 10. His victory earned him a prize of $62,000 (£48,000). Caruana's performance was dominant, as he secured a comfortable lead of one and a half points over the competition. In the final round, he won his game while his closest rivals either drew or lost, resulting in a six-way tie for second place with a score of 5.5 out of 10. Among the runners-up were the controversial player Hans Niemann, who solidified his position within the world’s top 20, as well as promising young talents Samuel Sevian and Awonder Liang. Established grandmasters Levon Aronian, Ray Robson, and Leinier Domínguez also finished in the tie for second. Wesley So, a favorite going into the tournament, ended with a disappointing score of 5 out of 10, drawing all his games and consequently falling out of the world’s top 10 rankings.