Gukesh Dommaraju Makes History as Youngest Chess World Champion
In a stunning display of skill and determination, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju of India has etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest world chess champion ever. In a nail-biting final held in Singapore, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren with a score of 7½-6½ in a best-of-14 series.
A Momentous Achievement for India
Gukesh’s victory marks a significant milestone not just for him personally, but also for Indian chess, as he becomes the second world champion from India. He follows the footsteps of five-time champion Viswanathan Anand, who last held the title in 2013. Gukesh’s achievement also breaks the previous record set by Garry Kasparov, who became the champion at the age of 22 in 1985.
Road to the Championship
Entering the tournament as a formidable contender, Gukesh demonstrated remarkable consistency. The championship was tightly contested, with both players tied at 6½ points leading into the final classical game. The decisive moment came when Ding made a critical blunder late in Game 14, allowing Gukesh to secure the title without the need for tiebreakers.
Gukesh’s Rise in the Chess World
- Early Success: Gukesh became a grandmaster at just 12 years old, making him the second-youngest to achieve this title at the time.
- Breaking Records: He is also the youngest player to reach a FIDE rating of 2,750, showcasing his rapid ascent in the chess hierarchy.
- Notable Wins: At 17, he overcame seasoned opponents in the Candidates Tournament, earning a shot at the world title against Ding.
Ding Liren’s Challenging Title Defense
Ding, currently ranked 22nd in the world, faced his own set of challenges during his reign as champion. After taking a nine-month break for mental health reasons, he struggled to regain his form, having not won a classical game since January. Despite these hurdles, Ding managed to perform admirably in Singapore, pulling off surprising victories in the opening game and the 12th game, which kept the competition fierce.
Final Games Recap
The championship was filled with tension, as Gukesh and Ding exchanged victories and draws. After a series of draws, Gukesh appeared to have gained an upper hand in Game 11, only for Ding to stage a comeback in the subsequent match. The final draw in Game 13 set the stage for the climactic Game 14, where Gukesh’s brilliance ultimately shone through.
With this historic win, Gukesh Dommaraju not only cements his legacy in the world of chess but also inspires a new generation of players. His journey from a junior-ranked player to world champion is a testament to his talent and perseverance.
