Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju from India has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion after defeating the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China, in a thrilling conclusion to their 14-game match in Singapore. Gukesh, at just 18 years old, claims the title previously held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he first won the championship in 1985.
In a decisive final game, Gukesh, playing with the black pieces, capitalized on a critical mistake made by Ding, who faltered under the pressure despite appearing to maintain a favorable position. This victory brought the overall match score to 7.5 for Gukesh and 6.5 for Ding.
Ding’s recent performance has not been as stellar, having not secured a classical game win since January. He had been striving to regain his form and confidence, highlighted by his comeback with a surprising win in the first round of the match. Following that, the competitors exchanged victories and draws, leading to a tied situation before Gukesh triumphed in the final game.
This championship match featured a substantial prize fund of $2.5 million and showcased the ongoing evolution of chess in the modern era. Gukesh’s qualification for the championship was achieved through his victory in the Candidates tournament held in April.
Notably, former world champion Magnus Carlsen, who held the title since 2013, opted to relinquish his crown in 2022, citing a loss of motivation.
This remarkable achievement by Gukesh not only highlights his extraordinary talent but also signifies a new generation’s emergence in the sport of chess. His victory can inspire young players worldwide to pursue their aspirations in competitive chess, showcasing that age is no barrier to excellence in this intellectual game.
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