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 finale of a 14-game match held in Singapore. Gukesh clinched victory in a dramatic last game, finishing the match with a score of 7.5 to 6.5.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh is now the youngest person to hold the title, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s previous record set in 1985 when he became champion at 22. Gukesh’s win came while playing with the black pieces, as Ding faltered in what many experts thought was a favorable position for him.
Ding Liren had faced challenges since securing his title against Ian Nepomniachtchi earlier this year, struggling with form and having not won a classical game since January. He had entered the match with renewed confidence after an unexpected victory in the match’s opening round. The competition saw Gukesh take two wins, with the rest of the games resulting in draws until Ding’s critical win in round 12.
The match was part of a prestigious “classical” chess event offering a prize fund of $2.5 million. Gukesh had earned his place in the championship by winning the Candidates tournament earlier in April. The chess community has been stirred by this significant shift, especially following Magnus Carlsen’s decision to step down from his title in 2022 due to a lack of motivation.
This remarkable triumph for Gukesh not only highlights his extraordinary talent at a young age but also represents a new chapter in the world of chess, inspiring a generation of young players. His achievement may encourage greater participation and interest in the game, showcasing the potential for rising stars in competitive chess.
In summary, Gukesh Dommaraju’s victory marks a historic milestone in chess, reflecting both his personal dedication and the evolving landscape of the sport, promising excitement for chess aficionados worldwide.
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