Finance
Gukesh Dommaraju, an Indian grandmaster, became the youngest-ever world champion on Thursday, December 12, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in the crucial 14th game of the World Chess Championship match in Singapore. Gukesh, at the age of 18, became the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to win the classical chess world championship.
Gukesh broke the previous record set by Russian icon Garry Kasparov, who became the youngest global chess champion at the age of 22 in 1985.
Gukesh and Ding were equal at 6.5 points entering the final game of the match on Thursday. The 14th game, in which Ding played with the white pieces, appeared to be heading for a draw until Ding made a critical error on the 53rd move. Gukesh’s plan of applying pressure to Ding, who was a pawn down, eventually paid off, resulting in an unforced error from last year’s world champion in the final stages.
“It’s the best day of my life,” Gukesh said, reflecting on his historic victory while applauding his opponent Ding for rallying against the odds and fighting hard over the last two weeks.
Gukesh said the world championship victory was merely the beginning of what he envisions as a “very, very long and successful career.” The teenager from India made his ambitions clear, stating that he dreams of reaching the level of greatness exemplified by his idol, Magnus Carlsen.
“Obviously, becoming the world champion doesn’t mean that I am the best player in the world. Obviously, there’s Magnus. So, it’s also a motivating factor that there is someone at the very, very high level and something that will keep me doing the right things and try to reach the level of greatness that Magnus has achieved,” Gukesh said.
Gukesh won the tournament with a final score of 7.5-6.5, claiming victory in the last classical game, which appeared to be a tie for much of the match. Following his historic victory, Gukesh will take home USD 1.3 million in prize money.
With this victory, Gukesh became the 18th world champion in classical chess history, as well as the youngest undisputed champion. While Ding attempted to force tiebreakers, Gukesh’s perfect play and winning move in the dying moments cemented his position in history.
Gukesh couldn’t keep his emotions under control as he went over for a water break after learning Ding had made a mistake. Gukesh smiled as he returned to the board, but tears of joy soon rolled down his cheeks. It did not take long for Ding to resign and hand over the world championship crown to the Indian teenager.
D Gukesh has had a great year, winning the Candidates and becoming the youngest-ever challenger for the world championship title. Gukesh also guided India to a historic victory at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
Source: IT
