Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju from India made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion after defeating the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China. The dramatic finale took place in Singapore during the last game of a closely contested 14-game match, with Gukesh securing the title with a narrow victory of 7.5 to 6.5.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh eclipses the previous record set by the legendary Garry Kasparov, who held the title at 22 years old since 1985. Gukesh’s win was particularly remarkable as he triumphed with the black pieces after Ding, who had been under pressure, made a crucial blunder in a position that commentators deemed favorable for him.
Ding, who experienced a drop in form since claiming the title against Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2023, had struggled in the classical format and hadn’t won such a game since January. However, he displayed improved performance during the match, including a noteworthy victory in round 12 that leveled the scores after two wins and eight draws for Gukesh.
The 14-round match featured a substantial prize fund of $2.5 million, highlighting the elevated stakes of competitive chess. Gukesh earned his chance at the championship by triumphing in the prestigious Candidates tournament earlier this year.
The chess community has witnessed considerable changes recently; world number one Magnus Carlsen, who had held the title since 2013, stepped down in 2022, citing a lack of motivation. Gukesh’s victory not only underscores his immense talent but also marks a new chapter in chess history, as fans eagerly await the future of the sport with young prodigies like him leading the way.
This event illustrates the potential of youth in competitive fields and inspires many aspiring chess players around the world, showing that determination and skill can achieve remarkable milestones at a young age.
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