In brief
Gukesh Dommaraju has made history as the youngest chess champion ever, achieving the title at just 18 years old after defeating defending champion Ding Liren in Singapore.
In a stunning victory, Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, has claimed the title of the world's youngest chess champion, triumphing over China's Ding Liren in a historic match held in Singapore. With this victory, Gukesh not only secures a place in the annals of chess history but also takes home a staggering prize of $2.5 million as part of the FIDE World Chess Championship.Entering the championship as a challenger, Gukesh dazzled fans and commentators alike with his talent, achieving this milestone just six years after becoming a grandmaster at the age of 12 years and seven months. His passion for chess began at a young age, spurred by witnessing a World Title match in 2013 between grandmasters Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen, which left a lasting impression on him.After an intense 14-game contest against Ding, where the players were tied with two wins each heading into the final stages, Gukesh seized an opportunity when Ding faltered, making a crucial blunder in the 14th game. Gukesh managed to stay composed under pressure, showcasing exceptional skill and strategy, thus taking the trophy in a nail-biting finish. Throughout the last three years, Gukesh has amassed a series of prestigious accolades, including individual gold medals at the last two Olympiads and leading his country to team victories. His impressive journey saw him overcome skepticism from renowned mentors, including Anand, who believed earlier on that Gukesh needed more experience before aiming for the title.Gukesh's chess prowess is supported by a robust network, including his family and the chess community in India, which boasts over 85 grandmasters. His parents have invested time and resources in his career, while the Westbridge Capital, which backs Anand's chess academy, has also played a crucial role.Despite his meteoric rise in the chess world, Gukesh remains grounded, pursuing interests in meditation, swimming, and tennis alongside his dedication to the game. His clear ambition is not only to retain his title, but to carve out a long-lasting career at the pinnacle of chess, aiming to dethrone current champion Magnus Carlsen in the future.
