Gukesh becomes youngest world chess champion

Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh made history on December 12 in Singapore by becoming the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18. He achieved this remarkable feat by defeating the reigning champion, Ding Liren, in the final match of an intense competition, signaling the dawn of a new era of supremacy for Indian chess players.

Gukesh has continued the remarkable legacy of the esteemed Viswanathan Anand, becoming the second Indian to secure the prestigious title, following the legendary player who held the championship five times throughout his career. Following his transition into “semi-retirement,” the 55-year-old Anand has played a significant role in mentoring Gukesh at his chess academy located in Chennai.

Gukesh secured the requisite 7.5 points as against 6.5 of his Chinese rival after winning the 14th and last classical time control game of the match that seemed headed for a draw for most part.

The individual expressed, “I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realised the dream (and made it) into reality,”

This achievement was predictably celebrated throughout India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing it as “historic and exemplary.” The reserved teenager beamed with joy and lifted his arms in triumph following the victory, a significant departure from the impassive expression he typically maintains during games. As the emotions washed over him, a tear or two slipped down his cheeks, revealing an uncommon display of vulnerability.

On Thursday, despite analysts predicting that the match would likely proceed to a tie-breaker, Gukesh maintained an inscrutable expression as he seized the advantage. A brief moment of distraction from Liren in what appeared to be a balanced endgame left the entire chess community in disbelief. With only a rook and a bishop remaining for both players, Gukesh held two pawns against Liren’s single pawn, attempting to advance but facing challenges. Nevertheless, Gukesh’s relentless pursuit for victory provided him with a significant edge over his Chinese opponent, who ultimately faltered, allowing Gukesh to claim the title. Prior to Gukesh’s achievement on Thursday, the esteemed Garry Kasparov from Russia held the record as the youngest world champion, having secured the title at the age of 22 by defeating Anatoly Karpov in 1985.

Gukesh had entered the match as the youngest ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. Gukesh, who won the 14th game against Liren after 58 moves in four hours, is the 18th world chess champion overall.

If Thursday’s game was also drawn, winner was to be decided in shorter duration tie-breaks on Friday.Gukesh had won the third and 11th rounds before Thursday’s decisive game, while the 32-year-old Liren emerged victorious in the opening and 12th games. All other games were drawn in the match.

“I came here suddenly and I lost the first game itself. Luckily while going back I had Vishy Sir (Anand) in the lift and he said ‘I had only 11 games left you have 13’,” Gukesh recalled, while shining a light on the contribution of his mentor.

Anand referenced his inaugural match against Veselin Topalov in 2006, which he ultimately triumphed in after initially losing the first game. Notably, Anand secured victory in the final Classical (12th) game while playing with the black pieces. He subsequently lost the championship title to the Norwegian prodigy Magnus Carlsen in 2013. The decisive moment occurred on the 55th move. Liren, disregarding the potential risks, opted for a rook exchange, which Gukesh capitalized on almost immediately. Aware that the title was his to forfeit, it took merely three additional moves before the Chinese player conceded the match.

Indian chess players have been on a roll this year, winning the Olympiad gold in both the men’s and women’s events, for the first time among other achievements.