Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju from India has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion, triumphing over defending champion Ding Liren of China in a remarkable finale to a 14-game match held in Singapore. This victory marks a significant moment in chess history, as Gukesh, at just 18 years old, is four years younger than the former record holder Garry Kasparov, who claimed the title at age 22 in 1985.
The final game saw Gukesh execute a masterful performance with the black pieces, as Ding faltered under pressure and made a critical error despite being in what many commentators deemed a favorable position. Gukesh clinched the title with a narrow victory, finishing the match with a score of 7.5-6.5.
Ding’s performance had been inconsistent following his win against Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi for the championship earlier this year. He had not secured a classical format victory since January and had been taking a step back from high-level competitions to regain his form. However, Ding showed resilience, bouncing back with a key win in the opening round and even tying the series with a victory in round 12.
This championship match featured a substantial prize fund of $2.5 million, showcasing the stakes involved. Gukesh earned his place in this prestigious matchup by winning the Candidates tournament earlier in April. The chess community has been abuzz with intrigue since Magnus Carlsen, who held the title from 2013 until 2022, stepped down, leading to a new era in competitive chess.
Gukesh’s victory not only establishes him as a formidable talent on the global chess stage but also inspires a new generation of players in India and beyond. His achievement heralds a bright future for him and for chess, illustrating that age is merely a number when skill, dedication, and mental fortitude come together to achieve greatness.
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