At just 18 years old, Gukesh Dommaraju from India has made history by becoming the youngest world chess champion ever, surpassing the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who claimed the title at the age of 22 in 1985. Dommaraju achieved this remarkable feat by defeating China’s Ding Liren in a closely contested match held in Singapore.
The match was a thrilling encounter, with both players demonstrating exceptional skill and nearly flawless gameplay that had many observers predicting a draw. However, in a surprising turn of events, Ding made a critical error while attempting to force a draw, sacrificing one of his rooks—a decision that ultimately led to his defeat.
In a reflective moment after the match, Ding admitted to feeling shocked by his mistake, acknowledging that he had played exceptionally well throughout the tournament. He expressed no regrets about the outcome, attributing his loss to a mix of pressure and a challenging match.
As the game reached its climax, Dommaraju recognized the opening for victory and was visibly emotional, eventually overwhelmed with joy as he celebrated his historic win. “Since the time I started playing chess, I’ve been dreaming about living this moment for more than 10 years,” Dommaraju said during the post-match press conference. He expressed immense respect for Ding, highlighting his status as a legend in the chess world.
This victory is not just a personal triumph for Dommaraju but also a significant milestone for India in the realm of chess, showcasing the country’s growing prominence in the sport. The young champion’s success inspires aspiring chess players, emphasizing that dedication and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.
In a world that often yearns for new heroes, Gukesh Dommaraju’s remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope and possibility, proving that the dreams of youth can indeed become reality.