Eighteen-year-old Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh triumphed over Chinese title-holder Ding Liren to become the youngest world chess champion. The thrilling showdown concluded in Singapore on Thursday.
Gukesh secured victory in the 14th and final game of the match. He achieved the required 7.5 points, surpassing Liren’s 6.5.
The final game, largely anticipated to end in a draw, ultimately saw Gukesh claim the win.
Gukesh’s victory breaks a long-standing record. Previously, Garry Kasparov held the title of youngest world chess champion, winning at age 22 in 1985. He dethroned Anatoly Karpov at that time.
Earlier this year, Gukesh won the Candidates tournament. This made him the youngest challenger ever for the world crown.
Gukesh joins Viswanathan Anand as the second Indian to win the world chess championship title. Anand, a five-time world champion, last held the title in 2013.
As title winner, he will get a major share of the USD 2.5 million prize purse.
“I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realised the dream (and made it) into reality,” the soft-spoken Chennai-lad told reporters after the historic triumph.
“I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on,” he added.
“Every chess player wants to live this dream. I am living my dream,” said Gukesh.
Gukesh, who claimed victory in the 14th game against Liren after 58 moves and four hours of play, is now the 18th world chess champion in history.
Had Thursday’s game ended in a draw, the winner would have been decided through tie-breaks on Friday, with a shorter time control.
Gukesh had previously won the third and 11th rounds, while Liren, 32, triumphed in the opening and 12th games. All other games in the match ended in draws.
#Gukesh #beats #Ding #Liren #youngest #world #chess #champion #Chess #News #Times #India
