Indian Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju Stuns World by Becoming Youngest World Chess Champion
Singapore (Dec 15) - In a dramatic turn of events, 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has defeated Chinese challenger Ding Liren to become the youngest-ever world chess champion, making him the first Indian to win the title since Vishwanathan Anand lost it to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
Gukesh's victory came after a stunning blunder by Ding, who offered a trade of rooks on his 55th move, only to be met with a devastating counterattack that secured Gukesh's winning position. The young Indian's triumph has sent shockwaves around the globe, as fans and pundits alike hailed him as a chess phenomenon.
Gukesh's road to glory was marked by incredible displays of skill and concentration, including his recent gold-medal win at the biennial Chess Olympiad. Despite being considered an underdog going into the match, he persevered against all odds to secure the title.
Ding, who had struggled with fatigue and depression after claiming the title in 2023, showed remarkable resilience in reaching this stage of the championship. Though he was gracious in defeat, describing it as a "fair result" that left him no regrets, his presence serves as a reminder that there is still much to be achieved by players from China.
The victory has also reignited debates about the relative strengths and abilities of chess's top players. With a chess rating of 2,777 after this match, Gukesh will remain outside the world's top three by rating, but his performance suggests that he may one day challenge Magnus Carlsen for the number one spot.
Gukesh's win has significant implications for Indian chess as a whole. The young prodigy's emergence is being hailed by many as a harbinger of a new era for the sport in India. With its growing popularity fueled by platforms such as Chess.com and Lichess, India is rapidly becoming a superpower in the world of chess.
As news breaks of Gukesh's achievement, fans around the world are celebrating this remarkable feat, which marks a new milestone for Indian chess. The future looks bright for this talented young champion, who has captured not only the hearts of thousands but also that of his illustrious predecessor Magnus Carlsen himself.
Gukesh Dommaraju will return home to an even bigger-than-impossible reception from Indian fans, cementing India's status as a rising global force in chess.