Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh etched his name in history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion on December 12 at the age of 18. Gukesh defeated China's Ding Liren in the 14th and decisive game, clinching the title with a 7.5-6.5 victory in the FIDE World Chess Championship, eliminating the need for tie-breaks. This remarkable feat makes him the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve the prestigious title, with Anand last winning it in 2013.
Gukesh displayed a mix of emotion and composure after realising his decade-long dream. Before celebrating his win, he adhered to his ritual of carefully arranging the chess pieces on the board while failing to hold back tears.
"I was dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. Happy I realised this dream," he told PTI. He also reflected on his unexpected opportunity to press for a win, adding, "I’ve been dreaming about this and living this moment since I was six or seven. Every chess player wants to live this moment."
Gukesh’s historic achievement made him the youngest World Chess Champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s 1985 record of winning the title at age 22. He began his rise by clinching the Asian School Chess Championship in 2015, followed by five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championship. That same year, he won the World Youth Chess Championship (U-12) and became the youngest International Grandmaster in India.
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Gukesh’s journey to the pinnacle of chess began at age seven. His achievements include becoming the youngest Grandmaster from India in 2018 and breaking several records along the way. Earlier this year, he won the Candidates Tournament, earning his place in the championship against reigning champion Ding.
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