Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion after defeating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling final match held in Singapore. At just 18 years old, Gukesh broke the record previously held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he first claimed the title in 1985.
The decisive match showcased Gukesh’s remarkable skill as he registered a victory with the black pieces after Ding faltered in a critical moment. The match concluded with a close final score of 7.5-6.5, highlighting both players’ abilities and the intense pressure of championship play. Gukesh’s performance was bolstered by his strong showing in the Candidates tournament earlier this year, which secured his spot in this championship bout.
Ding Liren’s journey to the final was marked by ups and downs; although he started confidently, he struggled in the following matches after his initial win. Since becoming world champion himself in 2023, Ding had not secured a classical game win until this match, which contributed to the drama surrounding the event.
The championship featured a prize pool of $2.5 million, drawing significant attention from the global chess community. Magnus Carlsen, previous world champion since 2013, had stepped down in 2022, amplifying the excitement surrounding this new titleholder.
This achievement not only marks a significant milestone for Gukesh but also inspires young chess players worldwide, proving that age is not a barrier to success in competitive sports. It represents a hopeful shift in the legacy of chess, as new talent emerges to challenge established norms and continue the evolution of the game.
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