In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh has made history by clinching the title of the youngest World Chess Champion ever. This monumental achievement unfolded during the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, culminating in a decisive victory over China’s Ding Liren in the 14th round.
Gukesh’s Journey to Glory
Gukesh’s path to victory was not without its challenges. After suffering defeat in the opening game, the 18-year-old prodigy regrouped and displayed exceptional resilience throughout the tournament. His comeback began in the third round, where he leveled the score against Ding, setting the stage for an intense battle ahead.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
The championship saw Gukesh and Ding Liren engage in a series of closely contested matches. Here’s a summary of the key results:
- Game 1: Ding Liren defeated Gukesh
- Game 2: Draw
- Game 3: Gukesh defeated Ding Liren
- Game 4: Draw
- Game 5: Draw
- Game 6: Draw
- Game 7: Draw
- Game 8: Draw
- Game 9: Draw
- Game 10: Draw
- Game 11: Gukesh defeated Ding Liren
- Game 12: Ding Liren defeated Gukesh
- Game 13: Draw
- Game 14: Gukesh defeated Ding Liren
Despite a rocky start, Gukesh’s strategic acumen shone brightly as he took the lead in the 11th round. However, Ding fought back to level the score once more. The tension escalated in the penultimate round, where Gukesh maintained an advantage, but Ding displayed his championship pedigree by forcing a draw.
Climactic Final Game
The final game was poised for yet another draw when a critical blunder from Ding opened the door for Gukesh to seize victory. With this win, Gukesh not only secured the championship but also etched his name into the annals of chess history, surpassing former champion Garry Kasparov’s record as the youngest to hold the title.
Gukesh’s triumph is a testament to his remarkable talent and mental fortitude, marking a significant moment for Indian chess on the global stage.
