:India's Gukesh Dommaraju Crowned World Chess Champion
Gukesh Dommaraju, at just 18 years old, has made history by defeating Ding Liren to become the youngest ever classical chess world champion in Singapore.
In a thrilling culmination of chess mastery, Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has emerged as the new World Chess Champion after defeating the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China, in the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore. This victory marks a significant milestone not only for Gukesh but for Indian chess, placing the country firmly on the global chess map once again.
Gukesh, born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, has been on a meteoric rise through the chess world, astonishing fans and critics alike with his strategic depth and composure at such a young age. His journey to the championship was marked by consistent performance, breaking records, and defeating some of the world's top players. His win against Ding Liren in the final game of the championship match, which was a best-of-14 series, came down to a decisive moment where Ding, under immense pressure, made a critical blunder, allowing Gukesh to secure the title with a score of 7½ to 6½.
This championship match was closely watched globally, not just for its high stakes but for the historic potential of Gukesh becoming the youngest undisputed world champion in chess history. Gukesh's approach to the game, combining deep opening preparation with an innate talent for endgame play, has drawn comparisons to chess legends like Viswanathan Anand, another Indian who has held the world title
Gukesh's victory is celebrated not only as a personal triumph but as a moment of national pride for India. He follows in the footsteps of Anand, who was India's first grandmaster and multiple-time world champion in various formats of chess. The achievement of Gukesh at such a young age has inspired a new generation of chess players in India, where the sport is seeing a resurgence in popularity and participation.
The match itself was a testament to the evolving nature of chess, where young talents like Gukesh challenge and sometimes surpass seasoned champions. His preparation, both in terms of chess strategy and mental resilience, was evident as he navigated through the pressure of a world championship. His coach, GM Vishnu Prasanna, and his support team played crucial roles in his preparation, focusing on both his technical skills and psychological readiness.
The implications of Gukesh's win are far-reaching, potentially influencing how chess is taught, played, and perceived in India and around the world. It underscores the importance of youth in sports and the emergence of Asia as a powerhouse in chess. As Gukesh now holds the title of World Chess Champion, the chess community eagerly anticipates his future contributions to the game, expecting him to defend his title and further elevate the status of chess in India.