Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old from India, has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion after defeating the defending champion, Ding Liren of China, in a thrilling conclusion of their 14-game match held in Singapore.
Gukesh’s victory marks a significant milestone, as he is four years younger than Garry Kasparov, who previously held the record as the youngest world champion since 1985. The match concluded with a nail-biting score of 7.5 to 6.5 in Gukesh’s favor, achieved after Ding, who had faced pressure throughout the competition, made a critical blunder despite appearing to be in a favorable position.
In the lead-up to this match, Ding’s form had been inconsistent, struggling to secure wins in the classical format since January. Nevertheless, he managed to regain some momentum, including an impressive win in the opening round of the championship match and evening the score in the twelfth round.
The total prize pool for the match was an impressive $2.5 million, highlighting the significance of this championship. Gukesh earned his place in this prestigious event by triumphing in the Candidates tournament earlier this year.
This victory symbolizes a new era in the chess world, especially following Magnus Carlsen’s relinquishment of the title in 2022 due to a lack of motivation. Gukesh’s success not only showcases his exceptional talent but also brings a sense of hope and excitement for the future of chess, inspiring young talents around the globe.
This landmark achievement by Gukesh opens new avenues for the sport, demonstrating that age is no barrier to success and encouraging future generations of chess players to aspire to greatness.
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