Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest-ever undisputed world chess champion at just 18 years old. The teenager defeated reigning champion Ding Liren of China in a nail-biting 14th and final game of the World Chess Championship held in Singapore on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Gukesh, who also became the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the prestigious title, secured a 7.5-6.5 victory in the series.
Gukesh shattered the decades-old record set by Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov, who had become the youngest champion at the age of 22 in 1985. The victory cements Gukesh’s status as a rising chess prodigy and a formidable force in the global chess arena.
Heading into Game 14, Gukesh and Ding were tied at 6.5 points each. The pressure was palpable as Ding, playing with the white pieces, sought to take the match into tiebreakers. The game appeared destined for a draw until Ding made a crucial error on the 53rd move, allowing Gukesh to seize the opportunity with precise play.
“It’s the best day of my life,” an emotional Gukesh said after clinching the title. His final move not only secured the championship but also cemented his legacy as the youngest champion in classical chess history.
A Triumph Against the Odds
Gukesh’s journey to the top was nothing short of spectacular. The championship match began on a challenging note for the Indian prodigy, who lost the opening game to Ding while playing with the white pieces. Undeterred, Gukesh staged a comeback in Game 3, showcasing his resilience and strategic brilliance.
The series saw a tense battle, with seven consecutive draws following Gukesh’s initial victory. Game 11 marked another breakthrough as Gukesh stunned Ding with a decisive win. However, the Chinese champion bounced back in Game 12, delivering a near-perfect performance to level the scores.
Game 13 ended in a hard-fought draw, setting the stage for the dramatic finale. In Game 14, Gukesh’s unrelenting strategy forced Ding into an uncharacteristic mistake during the endgame.
Historic Moments and Emotional Victory
Gukesh’s bold decision to extend the endgame proved pivotal. Even seasoned chess pundits, including Viswanathan Anand, had predicted a draw when the endgame began. However, Gukesh’s persistence paid off, culminating in Ding’s blunder.
As Ding resigned, Gukesh briefly stepped away for a water break, visibly overwhelmed by the significance of his achievement. He returned to the board with a smile, but tears of joy soon followed as the reality of his victory sank in.
This triumph crowns a stellar year for Gukesh. Earlier in 2024, he won the Candidates Tournament to become the youngest-ever challenger for the world title. He also led India to an unprecedented gold medal at the Chess Olympiad, cementing his reputation as a chess icon in the making.
Legacy and Future
By defeating Ding Liren, Gukesh becomes the 18th world champion in classical chess history and sets a new benchmark as the youngest undisputed champion. His victory signifies a new era for Indian chess, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, who first put India on the global chess map.
While Ding’s reign as world champion ends, Gukesh’s victory marks the beginning of a promising journey. As he steps into the spotlight, the young Grandmaster carries the hopes of millions, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts.
In the words of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, “Gukesh’s boldness and calm under pressure are a testament to his greatness. The world of chess has found a new star.”
D. Gukesh’s historic triumph not only secures his place among the chess greats but also underscores the limitless potential of India’s young talents on the global stage.