Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from India, has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion. He achieved this remarkable feat by defeating the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China, in a thrilling conclusion to a 14-game match held in Singapore.
Gukesh’s victory comes at an age that is four years younger than Garry Kasparov’s previous record set in 1985, when he won the title at 22 by overcoming Anatoly Karpov. The final match showcased Gukesh’s skill as he played with the black pieces and took advantage of a critical mistake made by Ding, who faltered under pressure despite being in a seemingly strong position. Gukesh secured the championship with a narrow final score of 7.5-6.5.
Ding Liren had recently faced challenges in his performance since claiming the title against Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi in early 2023. Despite this, he showed moments of brilliance in the match, especially after a surprise win in the opening round, evening the score with a victory in round 12. However, after a long gap without a classical game win, the pressure proved too great in the decisive final game.
This match not only highlighted the intense competition at the highest levels of chess but also featured a substantial prize fund of $2.5 million. Gukesh’s journey to the championship began when he qualified by winning the Candidates tournament in April. Notably, the former world champion Magnus Carlsen stepped down in 2022, citing a loss of motivation, which has opened the door for new talent like Gukesh to shine.
This victory for Gukesh is not just a personal triumph; it signals the emergence of a new generation in the world of chess. With his exceptional talent, he is expected to inspire many young players around the globe, promising an exciting future for the sport.
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