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D Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion, Making History at 18

December 13, 2024 | By
D Gukesh

D Gukesh, an 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy, has become etched in the annals of the game by being the youngest World Chess Champion. This incredible achievement followed after his fierce 14th and last classical game against Ding Liren, China, at the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore. Gukesh broke Garry Kasparov’s 37-year-old record to become the youngest to possess the sought-after championship with this triumph. This victory is especially noteworthy for India since the World Chess Championship title will be returning to the nation of chess origin. Following in the footsteps of his master, Viswanathan Anand, who held the title from 2000 to 2013, D Gukesh is now the second Indian to attain this honor.

Gukesh’s Road to Glory

The ascent of D Gukesh has been an amazing trip. In August 2023, he surpassed Anand to become the top-ranked Indian player on the FIDE ratings. His victory in the 2024 Candidates Tournament in Toronto, where he became the youngest champion in its history, clearly indicated his meteoric rise. Gukesh’s exceptional performance in the Chess Olympiad in Budapest helped India record a historic golden double, hence establishing his position among the chess world’s brightest talents.

A Decisive Final

The championship’s last game was a fiercely fierce struggle. Given the deadlock at 6.5–6.5, the 14th game appeared set for a draw. But Ding Liren moved his rook to f2, a crucial error under time constraints. D Gukesh, with his keen tactical sense, grabbed full advantage and performed a perfect series of plays forcing Ding to quit after 58 moves. Gukesh came out with a final score of 7.5-6.5. “I knew I could play for hours, but I was mentally ready for tomorrow’s tiebreaks,” D Gukesh said following his triumph. Avoiding fast tiebreaks, where Ding’s expertise could have been a benefit, was critical, hence his will to pursue a win in the traditional style was very vital.

Mental Strength and Strategic Mastery

Gukesh’s victory in the championship owed much to his strategic acumen and mental fortitude. Ding’s early lead with a Game 1 triumph and several drew games in which Ding seemed to have the upper hand notwithstanding Gukesh’s perseverance staying constant. In Game 3 he leveled the score; in Game 11 he moved ahead; in Game 12 he kept cool even as Ding started a comeback. The turning point occurred in the last game when Ding’s error let Gukesh grab the championship. His dominance throughout the game was highlighted by his ability to seize little possibilities and apply constant pressure.

Celebrations and Remarks

D Gukesh was lost in feeling following his historic triumph. He bent before the chessboard, repositioned the pieces in respect, and shed happy tears. As Ding exited the stage, he gave a sportsman’s salute. The chess community as a whole celebrated Gukesh’s success. While Indian stars including Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, and Chiranjeevi also congratulated the young champion, legends like Viswanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov hailed his triumph. India is quite pleased with his triumph, which inspires the next chess champions all around.

A Dream Come True

Eleven then, D Gukesh had told an interview expressing his desire to be the youngest chess champion worldwide. After Anand was removed as the top-ranking Indian player, the chess community saw his explosive climb from August 2023. Following Gukesh’s triumph in the April 2024 Candidates Tournament and his outstanding performance at the Chess Olympiad, where India attained its historical golden double in Budapest, this wish came true. The chess community knew D Gukesh would eventually be joining Anand in the ranks of World Chess Champions.

Gukesh’s Tenacity

Gukesh’s road to the World Chess Championship was not without difficulties, even in his lately red-hot form. Ding turned out to be a tough opponent even though she struggled recently. Leading with a surprising 42-move triumph in Game 1, Gukesh, however, steadily rebounded, even the score in Game 3, and finally grabbed the lead with a 29-move triumph in Game 11. In Game 12, Ding leveled the score again, but D Gukesh remained resolute.

The 13th game ended in a draw, and the 14th game appeared to be heading in the same direction. However, knowing that Ding had the advantage in faster formats like Rapid and Blitz, Gukesh refused to give in. His persistence paid off when Ding made a critical blunder in the 14th game, which handed Gukesh the win.

Words of Praise from Anand

Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh’s mentor, offered high praise for the young champion’s performance. “He turned up, he played well, and he tried hard. He had heart. He had preparation. He was better in many things, but also, handled the setbacks well. He stuck to his strategy, putting pressure in every game, even when Ding seemed to be waiting for the tie-breaks. D Gukesh kept probing and pushing, and that’s what made the difference,” Anand said.

A Bright Future Ahead

D Gukesh is now set for even more famous success after realizing his early goal. From a small child dreaming to the youngest world champion, the path the 18-year-old travels reveals his intelligence, persistence, and genius. Knowing his trip is far from finished, Gukesh honors this historical event with friends, family, and his team. Given his ongoing impact on the game, this young champion should demand far more from chess.

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chess world championship D Gukesh ding liren gukesh gukesh d gukesh dommaraju gukesh vs ding world chess championship 2024