Chennai Prodigy Defeats Ding Liren in Thrilling Finale at FIDE World Chess Championship 2024
Singapore, December 12, 2024
In an extraordinary display of skill and resilience, 18-year-old D. Gukesh from Chennai etched his name in history by becoming the youngest world chess champion. Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in the nail-biting final game of the FIDE World Chess Championship held on Sentosa Island, Singapore. This victory shattered a record that Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov held for nearly four decades.
The decisive moment came during the 14th and final game of the series, where Gukesh secured a crucial victory after 58 intense moves. This win elevated his tally to 7.5 points, the exact threshold required to clinch the world title. A draw in this game would have led to tie-breaker rounds of speed chess scheduled for the following day, but Gukesh ensured a definitive result with his calculated play.
The game was precariously close to ending in a draw until Ding made a critical error on his 55th move, misplaying with his rook. The blunder left the Chinese Grandmaster with no viable recovery, handing Gukesh the historic win.
D. Gukesh: A Championship of Firsts
Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China
This World Championship marked several milestones. It was the first time two players from Asia competed for the title, underscoring the continent’s growing prominence in chess. It also highlighted the rivalry between two of the world’s most populous nations, India and China.
Gukesh’s triumph makes him only the third Asian to win the world chess championship, following in the footsteps of his mentor, Viswanathan Anand, and Ding Liren himself. Furthermore, Gukesh joins an exclusive list as the 18th undisputed World Champion in a lineage that dates back to 1886.
An Unpredictable Journey to Glory
Gukesh’s path to victory was anything but straightforward. His campaign began on shaky ground when he lost the opening game despite having the advantage of playing with white pieces. The second game ended in a draw, but Gukesh rallied in the third to equalize the score at 1.5-1.5.
The subsequent seven games were tightly contested, all ending in draws. However, Gukesh broke the deadlock with a win in the 11th game, taking the lead for the first time in the match. Ding retaliated immediately, levelling the score once again. This fierce back-and-forth ensured the championship would go down to the wire, defying predictions that had heavily favoured Gukesh due to his stellar recent form.
Gukesh earned his spot in the championship by winning the prestigious Candidates Tournament earlier this year in Toronto. This feat also featured two other Indian players, R. Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi, demonstrating India’s rising dominance in chess.
From Olympiad Hero to World Champion
The chess prodigy’s journey to the pinnacle of the sport has been meteoric. He played a pivotal role in India’s unprecedented double gold medal wins at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest earlier this year. Competing on the top board, where the best players from each country face off, Gukesh secured an individual gold medal.
This was not his first time excelling at the Olympiad. In 2022, Gukesh delivered a sensational performance in Chennai, winning eight consecutive games and clinching another individual gold medal. That achievement is widely regarded as the turning point in his career, marking his transition from a promising talent to a global chess powerhouse.
A New Era for Indian Chess
Gukesh’s triumph comes at a time when Indian chess is undergoing a golden period. His mentor, Viswanathan Anand, played a pioneering role in putting India on the global chess map, and the new champion carries forward this legacy. With prodigies like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa making waves on the international stage, India is poised to remain a dominant force in chess for years to come.
The Legacy Continues
This historic win is a testament to Gukesh’s talent, determination, and strategic brilliance. By breaking Kasparov’s long-standing record, Gukesh has not only made history but also inspired millions of young chess enthusiasts worldwide.
As Gukesh stood victorious on the world stage, the chess world welcomed a new champion and celebrated the dawn of a new era in the sport.
