Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling final match at the World Chess Championship held in Singapore. Gukesh secured the championship with a 7.5-6.5 victory following an intense Game 14.
This young prodigy, who became the second-youngest grandmaster at the age of 12, is part of a promising new generation of Indian chess talent. His path has been inspired by Viswanathan Anand, the first Indian to achieve world champion status in 2007, breaking Russia’s long-standing dominance in chess. Following the match, Gukesh expressed his admiration for Anand, labeling him as his “inspiration and a role model.”
The final match of the tournament was a nail-biter, with the two competitors tied heading into the last classical game. Gukesh displayed remarkable resilience, especially after a dramatic Game 13 that ended in a draw, leaving both players with 6.5 points. Reflecting on the exhilarating contest, Gukesh stated, “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.”
Despite a critical blunder from Ding in the deciding game, which many analysts believe contributed to Gukesh’s victory, the new champion showed humility and respect towards his opponent. He remarked, “We all know who Ding is — he has been one of the best players in history for several years. For me, he is the real world champion.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Gukesh’s achievement as “historic and exemplary,” recognizing that the young champion has not only marked his place in chess history but has also inspired countless young individuals to chase their dreams and strive for greatness.
This year’s championship was particularly notable due to the absence of Russian players, marking a shift in the traditional chess hierarchy, as well as that of Magnus Carlsen, often regarded as the greatest player of all time. Carlsen vacated his title last year, stating a lack of motivation. His absence, along with that of a competitive Russian presence, added an unusual twist to the championship.
Gukesh’s victory signals a new era for chess, particularly for India, a nation that continues to nurture and produce exceptional talent. The enthusiasm for Gukesh’s triumph could very well ignite a fresh wave of interest in chess among the youth, underscoring the sport’s potential for growth and inclusivity in the global arena.
In summary, Gukesh’s win not only marks a significant personal achievement but also represents a pivotal moment for the chess world, as it welcomes new talent and shifts the historic dynamics of the game.