Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from India, has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion. He secured this prestigious title by defeating the reigning champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling final match held in Singapore. The championship, consisting of 14 games, concluded with a tight score of 7.5 to 6.5.
Gukesh’s victory is particularly notable as he is four years younger than Garry Kasparov, who held the title of the youngest world champion since 1985. In the decisive game, Gukesh played with the black pieces and capitalized on a critical mistake from Ding, who faltered in what seemed to be a favorable position, thereby sealing his victory.
Ding’s recent performance has been inconsistent since claiming the title against Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2023. Despite struggling to find his form, he managed to gain momentum during the match, leveling the score in the 12th round after a surprise triumph. The championship attracted significant attention, boasting a substantial prize fund of $2.5 million.
Gukesh earned his place in this championship by winning the Candidates tournament in April, showcasing his extraordinary talent. The previous world champion, Magnus Carlsen, stepped back from the title in 2022, citing a lack of motivation, paving the way for new champions to emerge.
This milestone achievement not only highlights Gukesh’s remarkable skills and determination but also marks a significant moment for India in the world of chess, as the country continues to produce exceptional young talents in the sport. The future looks bright for Gukesh and the chess community, as he sets a new standard for upcoming generations of players.
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