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Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Creates History, Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion At 18

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18, after defeating title-holder Ding Liren of China in a thrilling final game of the 14-game showdown.

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Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Creates History, Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion At 18

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Creates History, Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion At 18 (Image: x.com/narendramodi)

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18, after defeating title-holder Ding Liren of China in a thrilling final game of the 14-game showdown. Gukesh secured the crucial 7.5 points to Liren’s 6.5, clinching victory in the last classical time control game, which had appeared destined for a draw for most of its course.

The young chess prodigy, whose calm and composed demeanor is a hallmark of his playing style, broke into a wide grin and raised his arms in celebration upon his triumph, a stark contrast to his usual poker face at the chessboard.

Gukesh’s victory marks a monumental achievement, surpassing the previous record held by the legendary Garry Kasparov of Russia, who became world champion at 22 in 1985. Before this historic win, Gukesh had already made headlines earlier this year when he became the youngest-ever challenger to the world title, having triumphed in the prestigious Candidates tournament.

Gukesh is only the second Indian after five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand to win the coveted global title. Anand, who last held the title in 2013, had previously been dethroned by Magnus Carlsen.

The final game, which lasted for 58 moves over a span of four hours, was a hard-fought contest. Gukesh had earlier won the third and eleventh rounds, while the 32-year-old Liren claimed victories in the opening and twelfth games. The remaining games of the match ended in draws. If the final game had also been a draw, the world champion would have been decided by faster tiebreaks scheduled for Friday.

As world champion, Gukesh will take home a significant share of the USD 2.5 million prize fund.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his admiration for Gukesh’s achievement: “Historic and exemplary! Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination. His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours. @DGukesh”

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi congratulated Gukesh, saying:

“Gukesh, you’ve made all of India proud! At just 18, becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion is a phenomenal achievement. Your passion and hard work remind us that with determination, anything is possible. Congratulations, champ!”

Indian Chess legend Viswanathan Anand offered his heartfelt congratulations: “Congratulations! It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India, a proud moment for WACA, and for me, a very personal moment of pride. Ding played a very exciting match and showed the champion he is.”

Former cricketer VVS Laxman hailed the young champion’s feat: “What a proud moment for India as 18-year-old Gukesh becomes the 18th world chess champion, the youngest ever. Incredible feat and a truly historic moment.”

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chess champion D Gukesh Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh World Chess Champion Youngest World Chess Champion

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