World champion Gukesh Dommaraju achieved a landmark victory against Magnus Carlsen on Sunday at the Norway Chess tournament, marking his first classical win over the legendary player. This intense match in round six saw the 19-year-old Indian grandmaster turn the tables dramatically, especially after facing pressure throughout the game. Gukesh capitalized on a rare blunder from Carlsen during a critical moment, leading to a swift counterattack that prompted the 34-year-old Carlsen to resign.
The victory was particularly significant not only for its implications in the standings but also because of whom it was against. Gukesh expressed his delight, saying, “Right now, what means the most to me is that I didn’t lose the game… But yes, beating Magnus in any form is special.”
This match notably turned the tide from their earlier encounter in the tournament, where Carlsen had decisively outplayed Gukesh. Following the resignation, Carlsen’s frustration was evident as he slammed his fist on the table and left the venue without attending media duties, which is quite unusual for the otherwise composed champion. Gukesh’s coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, commended his student’s determination, suggesting that while luck may have played a role, Gukesh’s stubbornness and skill were pivotal.
The win not only evened their head-to-head in the tournament but also countered Carlsen’s previous critiques of Gukesh’s classical play style. The young champion’s achievement has drawn accolades, including praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described it as an “exceptional achievement” showcasing Gukesh’s talent.
Gukesh’s success comes on the heels of last year’s milestone of Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa becoming the first Indian to defeat Carlsen in classical chess during the same tournament. Gukesh’s victory signals a growing trend of Indian players making significant strides on the global chess stage.
As Gukesh moves into the closing rounds of the tournament, this win may serve as a crucial boost in confidence, putting him in a strong position with 8½ points, just one point behind leaders Carlsen and American Fabiano Caruana.
Overall, Gukesh’s triumph serves as a hopeful reminder of the potential for new talents to emerge in the chess world, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of competition at the highest levels.