Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest world chess champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a dramatic final game in Singapore. The 18-year-old from Chennai secured his place in chess history with a 7½-6½ victory in the best-of-14-games showdown, culminating in a decisive win in Game 14. The victory was sealed after Ding made a critical blunder, allowing Gukesh to capitalize and claim the prestigious title.
The match, which lasted three weeks, saw intense competition between the two players. Gukesh’s triumph shattered the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 years old when he won the championship in 1985. Gukesh’s historic achievement also made him only the second Indian to hold the title, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand.
Game 14 appeared destined for a draw until Ding, under mounting time pressure, made a grave error with his rook move, trapping his own bishop. Gukesh admitted it took a few moments to recognize the mistake, but once he did, he knew the game was his. Overcome with emotion, he described the realization as the best moment of his life. The win also brought Gukesh a significant financial reward, with a $1.35 million share of the $2.5 million prize fund.
The match had been closely contested, with both players showcasing resilience and skill. Ding, the defending champion, started strong with a surprise victory in Game 1, breaking a long winless streak. However, Gukesh quickly responded with a win in Game 3. The middle games of the match saw a series of draws, with neither player able to gain a decisive advantage. Gukesh took the lead in Game 11, but Ding fought back in Game 12, setting the stage for a dramatic final game.
Despite his loss, Ding displayed remarkable determination throughout the match. The Chinese grandmaster had faced significant challenges in the lead-up to the championship, including a prolonged period of poor form and a hiatus to address mental health issues. His victory in Game 1 was a testament to his resilience, but the grueling nature of the match ultimately took its toll.
Gukesh’s journey to the world championship has been extraordinary. He became the third-youngest grandmaster in history at the age of 12 years and seven months and achieved further acclaim by winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. His success in the Candidates, where he outperformed seasoned players like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana, marked him as a rising star in the chess world.
Reflecting on his achievement, Gukesh spoke of his lifelong dream to become world champion. Having started playing chess at the age of six and a half, he dedicated more than a decade to reaching this pinnacle. His victory is a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination, inspiring a new generation of chess players.
The victory was celebrated across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising Gukesh’s accomplishment as historic and exemplary. The young champion’s emotional reaction after Ding’s resignation captured the magnitude of the moment, as he realized he had achieved a dream shared by countless chess players worldwide.
Gukesh’s win signals a new era in chess, as he takes his place among the greats of the game. His triumph not only cements his status as a prodigy but also sets the stage for an exciting future as the youngest world chess champion in history.
