Teen Sensation claims World Chess Title, Becomes Youngest Champion at 18
In a stunning turn of events, Indian chess prodigy Gukesh has become the youngest ever world chess champion at the age of 18, breaking the record held by legendary Soviet player Garry Kasparov for nearly four decades.
Gukesh defeated Chinese defending champion Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship match in Singapore, winning with a scoreline of 7.5-6.5 points. The young Indian's remarkable victory marked a historic moment for chess fans around the world, as he became the first teenager to capture the title.
In a thrilling game that was headed towards a draw, Ding Liren made a blunder on the 55th move, which Gukesh quickly capitalized on to seal the win. The Chinese player's mistake came after he had been in a seemingly equal position, with both players having an extra pawn.
Gukesh's incredible win has sent shockwaves through the chess world, with many experts hailing him as one of the most promising young players in recent memory. When asked what drove his success, Gukesh attributed it to his mental preparation and a motivation sparked by watching Magnus Carlsen, the current five-time world champion.
"It's motivating that someone like Magnus is at an incredibly high level," said Gukesh. "That will help me continue working hard."
The World No. 5 also praised his adversary for their sportsmanship, thanking Ding for a thrilling match and shaking hands with him before leaving the stage after finishing his part of the press conference.
Gukesh's achievement marks a significant milestone in chess history, not just for India but for the entire world of chess. With this victory, he has etched his name in the annals of chess lore, cementing his place among the greatest young players of all time.