In a historic upset, India’s Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion at the age of 18, defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling final match held on Thursday in Singapore.
Gukesh clinched the title after a dramatic conclusion to the 14-game match, securing a final score of 7.5-6.5. Playing with the black pieces, he capitalized on a critical moment in the last game to secure the victory in a closely contested competition.
This achievement makes Gukesh the 18th world champion in chess history, surpassing Garry Kasparov as the youngest to hold the title. Kasparov had been the youngest champion since 1985 when he defeated Anatoly Karpov at the age of 22.
Ding Liren, who claimed the world championship in 2023 by defeating Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi, demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the match. After a strong start with a surprise win in the opening round, Ding kept the competition fierce, leveling the score in round 12 following two wins for Gukesh and eight draws.
The match, featuring a prize fund of \$2.5 million, drew significant attention from the global chess community. It showcased the rising talent from India, with Gukesh having qualified for the championship by winning the prestigious Candidates Tournament in April. The tournament also included fellow Indian grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi.
India’s prominence in the chess world has been growing, highlighted by the national team’s gold medal victories in both the open and women’s sections at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest in September. Many professionals credit former world champion Viswanathan Anand for his efforts in promoting chess in the country.
The previous world champion, Magnus Carlsen of Norway, had held the title since 2013 before relinquishing it in 2022, citing a lack of motivation. Gukesh’s victory ushers in a new era in the world of chess, inspiring aspiring players across Asia and beyond.
Reference(s):
Dommaraju edges Ding to become youngest world chess champion
cgtn.com
