Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest Ever World Chess Champion
Published: December 12, 2024
Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest-ever world chess champion after beating defending champion China’s Ding Liren in a dramatic turn on Thursday.
dommaraju, at age 18, is four years younger than Russian grandmaster Garry kasparov when he won the title in 1985 at age 22.
The Chennai prodigy achieved the status of chess grandmaster at the age of 12.
He entered the final of the FIDE World Chess Championship match held in Singapore this year as the challenger.
Playing on black, Dommaraju won after Ding made a rare mistake while in a solid position, commentators observed.
The 18-year-old clinched the title with a final score of 7.5-6.5, concluding a fortnight of closely monitored games by chess fans worldwide.
Ding had faced criticism over his performance all year, having not won a long-format “classical” game since January.
Despite putting in a strong opening game and winning the second-last match against Dommaraju, Ding’s momentum waned toward the end.
Both players had two victories each with eight draws prior to the final game.
After hours of tight play, Ding moved his rook to a weak position, allowing Dommaraju to capitalize on the error.
Instantly recognizing his mistake,Ding slumped on the table.
“Ding seemed to have a risk-free chance to push for a win but instead liquidated into a pawn-down endgame,” Chess.com summarized post-game. “It shoudl have been drawn, but Ding blundered as the pressure grew.”
It was endgame from that moment. Ding resigned three moves later.
Dommaraju burst into tears as the room erupted in cheers from spectators.
At just 18, he is only the second Indian player to become world chess champion, following five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand.
Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi praised Dommaraju, calling the victory “historic and exemplary.” He congratulated him on X, attributing the achievement to his unparalleled talent, dedication, and determination.
The FIDE World chess Championship features a prize fund of $2.5 million (£1.96 million).
What impact does Gukesh Dommaraju’s victory have on the future of chess in India?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking wiht Dr. Anisha Kapoor, a renowned chess expert and commentator, to discuss a groundbreaking event in the chess world—Gukesh Dommaraju’s recent victory as the youngest ever World Chess Champion.Dr. Kapoor, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Kapoor: Thank you for having me! It’s a thrilling time for chess, and I’m happy to be here to share my insights.
Interviewer: Gukesh Dommaraju’s achievement is remarkable. Can you share your thoughts on his journey to this historic title?
Dr. Kapoor: Absolutely! Gukesh has been a prodigy since he first started playing chess at a young age. His dedication and systematic approach to improvement have set him apart. Winning the championship at such a young age,especially against formidable opponents like Ding Liren,shows not just skill but an remarkable mental fortitude.
Interviewer: Speaking of opponents, Gukesh faced Ding Liren in the final match. What made this matchup particularly critically important?
Dr.Kapoor: Ding Liren is a highly skilled grandmaster and was considered one of the favorites. Their match showcased a blend of classical chess strategy and modern techniques. The tension between experience and youth added an extra layer of excitement. Gukesh’s ability to maintain composure under pressure was remarkable and crucial for his victory in Game 14.
Interviewer: It’s frequently enough said that the psychological aspect of chess is just as critically important as the technical skills. How do you think Gukesh managed the pressure?
Dr. Kapoor: The pressure in a championship setting can be overwhelming. Gukesh has demonstrated a remarkable ability to focus and strategize, even when stakes are high. His training includes not just chess tactics but also mental conditioning and resilience, wich allows him to stay calm and make calculated decisions, even in the most stressful moments.
Interviewer: Gukesh’s victory marks a significant milestone not just for him, but for chess enthusiasts in India and worldwide. How do you see this affecting the popularity of chess, especially in India?
Dr. Kapoor: Gukesh’s win is highly likely to inspire a new generation of chess players in India. Much like what Viswanathan Anand did for the sport, Gukesh serves as a role model. His success will undoubtedly encourage young players to take up chess seriously. We might see an increase in local tournaments,sponsorships,and chess academies,ultimately elevating the game’s status in India.
Interviewer: It certainly sounds like an exciting future for chess! What do you think Gukesh needs to do to maintain his position at the top now that he’s the champion?
Dr. Kapoor: Consistency in performance is key. Gukesh will need to stay committed to his training while adapting to the evolving game. As the champion, he’ll be analyzed more closely and will face different challenges. Continuing to work on his weaknesses, studying his opponents, and perhaps even embracing new technologies like AI analysis will be essential to his sustained success.
Interviewer: Dr. Kapoor, as we see chess evolve in the digital age and with more youth engaging with it, what trends do you foresee in the world of chess in the coming years?
Dr. Kapoor: We’re already seeing a rise in online chess as a platform for learning and competing. this trend will continue, leading to broader access to high-level training. Additionally, we’re likely to see events that merge traditional play with innovative formats, engaging a wider audience. The importance of mental wellness in competitive settings will also gain traction, giving players holistic support.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kapoor, for sharing your valuable insights with us today. Gukesh Dommaraju’s win is a monumental moment in chess,and we’re excited to see how his journey unfolds.
dr. Kapoor: Thank you! it’s my pleasure. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him and for chess as a whole.