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 a 14-game match in Singapore. At just 18 years old, Gukesh has surpassed Garry Kasparov’s previous record of being the youngest world champion by four years, an achievement that underscores his immense talent and dedication to the game.
Gukesh secured his victory in the final game, playing with the black pieces, after Ding made a critical blunder while in a perceived advantageous position. The match concluded with Gukesh winning 7.5 to 6.5, marking a remarkable turnaround in the tournament.
Ding Liren’s form had been shaky following his championship win against Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2023, and he had not claimed a classical format victory since January. Despite a strong start in the opening rounds and even tying the match with a celebrated win in the 12th round, Ding ultimately fell short against Gukesh.
The classical match format featured a significant prize pool of $2.5 million, showcasing the level of competition and prestige in chess today. Gukesh qualified for this championship by triumphing in the Candidates tournament earlier in April.
Magnus Carlsen, the world number one who had held the title since 2013, relinquished his championship in 2022, citing waning motivation, paving the way for a new generation of chess stars like Gukesh to emerge.
This victory is a testament to Gukesh’s skill and poise under pressure, and it signals an exciting future for the chess world, as younger players continue to rise and challenge established norms.
In summary, Gukesh Dommaraju’s triumph not only heralds the arrival of a promising new champion but also invigorates the chess community with anticipation for the next chapter in the sport’s history.
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