Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh paid dearly for unwarranted complications in the middle game, allowing defending champion Ding Liren of China to clinch the opening game of the World Chess Championship here on Monday.

Grandmaster D Gukesh paid dearly for unwarranted complications in his middle game as defending champion Ding Liren of China drew first blood by defeating the teenaged Indian in a high-pressure opening game of the World Chess Championship here on Monday.

Gukesh managed to win the third game, but he will need to be at his best going forward. Any mistake could significantly harm his chances of becoming only the 2nd Indian to win.

At just 18 years old, Gukesh is setting out on an ambitious journey to become the youngest world chess champion in history. He faces Ding Liren at Singapore's Resorts World Sentosa in a championship that traces its roots back to 1886.

China's Ding Liren beat teenager Gukesh Dommaraju of India in the opening round of the world chess championship in a major confidence boost for the title holder on Monday.

Playing with black pieces, Gukesh made a comeback of sorts, having lost to Liren in the opener of the 14-game showdown.

Ding Liren of China beat Indian teenager Gukesh in the opening game of the World Chess Championship, taking an early lead. Liren, with black pieces, overcame form issues, exploiting Gukesh's middle game complications.

The battle for the chess crown had an explosive start as Chinese star Ding Liren forced Indian challenger Gukesh Dommaraju to resign.

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