At 18, India's D. Gukesh Breaks Kasparov's Record to Become Youngest World Chess Champion

Dec 13, 2024, 05:41 AM

Eighteen-year-old Indian grandmaster D. Gukesh has become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China in a closely contested final held in Singapore. Gukesh's victory marks a significant milestone for Indian chess, making him only the second Indian to win the world title after Viswanathan Anand. By achieving this feat, Gukesh has broken Garry Kasparov's long-standing record to become the youngest world champion in the history of chess. The match concluded dramatically in the 14th game, showcasing Gukesh's exceptional talent and determination. His success is attributed in part to his mental coach Paddy Upton. Despite the emotions following his historic win, Gukesh displayed his characteristic composure by taking the time to rearrange the pieces on the board, a ritual he maintains after every game. Gukesh's journey to the top was marked by personal sacrifices; his father quit his job to support his chess career while his mother became the sole breadwinner. His triumph is expected to open up new endorsement opportunities for chess in India and inspire a new generation of players. However, the championship was not without controversy, as some accused Ding Liren of losing on purpose, allegations that prompted calls for an official investigation. Additionally, former world champion Vladimir Kramnik criticized the quality of play, describing it as "the end of chess as we know it."