Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju from India has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion, triumphing over defending champion Ding Liren from China in a thrilling conclusion to a closely contested 14-game match held in Singapore. At just 18 years of age, Gukesh is now four years younger than Garry Kasparov, who set the previous record as the youngest world champion back in 1985.
In a dramatic final game, Gukesh secured victory with the black pieces after Ding, who was in a seemingly advantageous position, succumbed to pressure and made a crucial blunder. The match concluded with Gukesh winning 7.5 to 6.5, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Ding Liren, despite a prior victory over Ian Nepomniachtchi to claim the championship in 2023, faced challenges as he struggled to find his form, having not won any classical games since January. However, he found his footing during the match, managing to even the score at one point, which showcased his resilience.
The lengthy match had a substantial prize fund of $2.5 million, highlighting the high stakes of the competition. Gukesh had previously earned his spot in this championship by winning the Candidates tournament in April. This victory is particularly notable in light of Magnus Carlsen, the world number one who held the title from 2013 until he stepped down in 2022, citing a lack of motivation as his reason for relinquishing the championship.
This achievement by Gukesh not only underscores the emergence of young talent in the chess world but also revitalizes interest in the game. His victory is a promising sign for the future of chess, suggesting that the new generation of players is ready to challenge the status quo and bring fresh excitement to the sport.
Summary: Gukesh Dommaraju, at just 18 years old, became the youngest chess world champion after defeating Ding Liren in a dramatic final match. This remarkable achievement not only breaks a long-standing record held by Garry Kasparov but also represents the rise of young talent in chess, promising a bright future for the sport.
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