Gukesh D Crowned 18th World Chess Champion in Thrilling Finale
In a heart-stopping conclusion to the 2024 FIDE World Championship held in Singapore, 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy Gukesh D emerged victorious, becoming the youngest World Champion in history. The final match, which was anticipated to end in a draw, took a dramatic turn when reigning champion Ding Liren made a crucial error on the fifty-fifth move, leading to a resignation just three moves later. The match concluded with a score of 7.5-6.5 in favor of Gukesh.
Match Overview
The final game commenced at 5 PM, with Maurice Ashley introducing the players to an excited audience. The ceremonial first move was made by Professor Hsu Li Yang, a prominent academic and International Master from the National University of Singapore, who expressed his dual passion for science and chess.
Ding opened with the Reti Opening, while Gukesh responded with his preferred 1…d5 defense. Commentator GM David Howell noted the lack of forcing lines in this opening, suggesting that many pieces would remain on the board for a while. Ding employed a kingside fianchetto and a Reversed Grunfeld setup, which was a strategic choice, considering his expertise in the Grunfeld Defense when playing as Black.
Opening Strategies
Gukesh’s preparations were impressive, as he introduced a relatively new move, 6…Ng-e7, deviating from the mainline that his compatriot GM Praggnanandhaa had played. Ding, cautious in his approach, aimed for a small advantage without taking unnecessary risks. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the significance of the opening choices, expressing optimism about the game’s potential for excitement.
As the game progressed, Ding’s strategy shifted to securing a minor edge rather than aggressively pursuing victory. His decision to play 14.b3 instead of the better-received 14.Qe2 allowed Gukesh to equalize the position quickly. Both players maintained near-perfect accuracy, seemingly content to navigate towards a draw.
Turning Point
A pivotal moment occurred when Ding sacrificed a pawn to exchange queens and rooks, further steering the game towards a draw. However, in a surprising twist, Ding offered an exchange of rooks at a moment that proved detrimental. “I was totally in shock when I realized I made a blunder,” Ding admitted in the postgame press conference.
After Gukesh capitalized on this mistake with the move 56…Bd5, the endgame became clear, as he held a winning position. Gukesh later reflected on the moment of realization, stating, “At the first moment, I didn’t see that I was winning. When I realized that I was winning, it was the best moment of my life.”
Reflections and Acknowledgments
In acknowledging his defeat, Ding expressed pride in his performance, stating, “I think I played my best tournament of the year.” Meanwhile, Gukesh praised Ding’s tenacity and skill, remarking on his opponent’s stature in the chess world. “To see him struggling… shows what a true champion he is,” Gukesh noted.
As the new World Champion, Gukesh reflected on his journey, saying, “Since I was seven, I have been living this moment. Every chess player wants to experience this, and I am living my dream.”
Game Details
- White: Ding Liren
- Black: Gukesh D
- Result: 0-1
- Game Length: 58 moves
- Opening: Zukertort Opening
- Variation: Reversed Grunfeld
- Match Score: 7.5–6.5 (for Gukesh D)
While the championship match captured the spotlight, the event also featured various side activities for chess enthusiasts in Sentosa. One highlight was a talk titled “How to Win a Game,” presented by Dana Reizniece-Ozola, the Managing Director of FIDE.
As the chess community celebrates this historic victory, the future looks bright for Gukesh D and the world of chess.
