In brief
Achieving a life-long dream, Gukesh's victory against Ding Liren marks a significant milestone in the world of chess.
Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from India, has stunned the chess world by becoming the youngest world champion in history. The Chennai native triumphed over China’s defending champion, Ding Liren, in a captivating match held in Singapore. This accomplishment comes with a substantial prize fund of $2.5 million (£1.96 million) and solidifies Gukesh’s status as a formidable force in the chess community.Showcasing remarkable skill from an early age, Gukesh became a grandmaster at just 12 years and seven months. He has harbored ambitions of being world champion since he was a mere seven years old, having watched a World Title match between chess giants Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in 2013. Despite his early dreams, Gukesh admitted he never anticipated achieving such success so quickly following his recent victory.In an interview after his win, Gukesh recounted, "Throughout the match I had several chances to clinch victories... But once I was getting close I was getting nervous." Ultimately, it was a blunder by Ding during the critical 14th game that allowed Gukesh to seize the title.Since Wilhelm Steinitz won the first title match in 1886, Gukesh has become the 18th world chess champion and comfortably eclipsed the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he won the title in 1985. Over the past three years, Gukesh’s achievements have been outstanding, including winning individual gold medals at the FIDE Chess Olympiad and leading India to significant team victories.His rise has not been solitary; it reflects the flourishing chess culture in India, where Gukesh is supported by a network of talented grandmasters and mentors, including former world champion Anand. Gukesh credits both his parents, who prioritized his chess career over their own medical professions, and his school for their unwavering support.The young champion has also garnered attention for his balance of interests outside chess. He enjoys swimming, tennis, and even practices meditation, all while aspiring to become the best player in the world and maintain a long-lasting chess career. Gukesh's historic win has undoubtedly placed the spotlight on Indian chess, captivating audiences both at home and abroad.
