Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday in Singapore by dethroning China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest-ever chess world champion. The 18-year-old from Chennai shattered the record previously held by Garry Kasparov, clinching the title after a dramatic finale in their best-of-14-games match. Gukesh’s journey to the top marks a new era in chess, showcasing his talent, determination, and resilience.
The Decisive Game: From Deadlock to Triumph
In a match filled with intense moments, Gukesh sealed his victory in Game 14, capitalizing on a critical blunder by Ding Liren. Despite the game appearing destined for a draw, Ding’s fatal error (55 Rf2??) turned the tide, allowing Gukesh to trap his opponent’s bishop and secure a win.
“When I realized it, it was probably the best moment of my life,” Gukesh said, describing his emotions after clinching the title. The defending champion resigned after 58 moves, ceding a 7½-6½ victory to Gukesh and eliminating the need for tiebreak matches.
A Record-Breaking Journey
Gukesh’s triumph broke Kasparov’s 39-year-old record of becoming the youngest world champion at 22. This achievement cements his legacy as a chess prodigy, having already become the third-youngest grandmaster in history at just 12 years and seven months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Gukesh, calling his achievement “historic and exemplary.” The victory also marks India’s second world chess champion after Viswanathan Anand, who held the title from 2007 to 2013.
An Emotional Moment for Gukesh
Gukesh described the win as the culmination of a decade-long dream. “I probably got so emotional because I did not really expect to win from that position,” he admitted, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events.
The win came after a grueling three-week match that saw both players display immense skill and mental fortitude. Despite Ding’s strong start, including a victory in Game 1 that ended a long winless streak, Gukesh’s consistency and ability to capitalize on mistakes proved decisive.
The Rise of a Chess Prodigy
Gukesh’s ascent to the world championship has been meteoric. Earlier this year, he won the Candidates Tournament in Toronto, defeating seasoned players like Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura. This victory made him the youngest challenger in history, a feat that set the stage for his historic championship win.
Reflecting on his journey, Gukesh said, “I’ve been dreaming about this moment for more than 10 years. Every chess player wants to experience this, and very few get the chance. To be one of them is… I think the only way to explain it is I am living my dream.”
Ding Liren: A Champion’s Struggle
Ding Liren, who made history last year as China’s first men’s world chess champion, faced challenges in the lead-up to the match. Struggling with depression and inconsistent form, Ding entered the championship as an underdog but showed resilience throughout the games.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Ding praised Gukesh, acknowledging his extraordinary talent and determination. “Champions always step up to the moment,” Ding said, reflecting on his opponent’s achievement.
Profile: Gukesh Dommaraju
Full Name: Dommaraju Gukesh
Nickname: Gukesh D
Birthdate: May 29, 2006
Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Key Achievements:
Youngest-ever chess world champion (2024)
Third-youngest grandmaster in history (2019)
Winner of the Candidates Tournament (2024)
Playing Style: Known for his aggressive approach and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Inspiration: Draws motivation from Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh’s rise to the pinnacle of chess marks him as one of the most promising talents in the sport’s history. His journey reflects not only his skill but also his dedication and passion for the game. As the new face of global chess, Gukesh’s story will inspire generations to come.
