Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest world chess champion, clinching the title on Thursday after a thrilling victory over incumbent champion Ding Liren at the World Chess Championship held in Singapore. The 18-year-old prodigy won the high-stakes match with a score of 7.5 to 6.5, concluding the final game with a dramatic performance in Game 14 of classical chess.
Gukesh, who previously achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the second-youngest grandmaster at just 12 years old, has been heralded as part of a new generation of skilled Indian chess players. This new wave follows in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, who ended Russia’s long-standing dominance in chess when he won the title in 2007. Gukesh has often expressed his admiration for Anand, whom he considers a source of inspiration.
The decisive match unfolded after a tense battle, with players tied at 6.5 points going into the final game. In a gripping Game 13, Gukesh managed to put Ding in a challenging position, leading to a draw. Ding later confessed that he had nearly lost hope but managed to hold on. Reflecting on the competition, Gukesh noted, “It’s fitting that the match goes to the last game, because we’ve both showed a lot of fighting spirit and played some very entertaining chess.”
Analysts pointed out that Ding made a significant mistake in Game 14, which ultimately paved the way for Gukesh’s victory. Gukesh, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed his respect for Ding, stating, “We all know who Ding is — he has been one of the best players in history. For me he is the real world champion.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Gukesh’s victory as “historic and exemplary,” emphasizing that he has inspired countless young minds to aspire to greatness.
This championship marked a notable shift in the chess landscape, as it saw the absence of Russian players, a rarity within the tournament’s history, along with Magnus Carlsen’s notable absence. Carlsen, often regarded as the greatest player ever, stepped down from competition in 2022, citing a lack of motivation.
Ding, who captured the crown last year after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi, also represented China’s ascent in the chess world. However, his recent struggles added a sense of unpredictability to this year’s championship.
In summary, Gukesh’s victory not only signifies a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Indian chess, inspiring the next generation to reach for their dreams in the competitive world of chess, further contributing to the enriching legacy of the game.