On a remarkable December 12, 18-year-old D Gukesh etched his name in chess history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. The young prodigy defeated China’s reigning champion, Ding Liren, in a fiercely contested match in Singapore, claiming the title with a score of 7.5–6.5. Gukesh is the first teenager to achieve this milestone and only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to lift the coveted trophy.
A Battle of Nerves and Brilliance
The championship match saw high drama and exceptional skill as Gukesh navigated through intense moments with composure beyond his years. Starting on the back foot after losing the opening game, Gukesh clawed his way back in Game 3. The following seven games ended in draws, showcasing the resilience of both players.
The turning point arrived in Game 11, where Gukesh secured a pivotal victory. Ding, refusing to back down, responded with a flawless win in Game 12. The tension reached its peak in the final classical game, where Gukesh, with sharp and precise moves, capitalized on a critical error by Ding to clinch the title.
A Legacy Built on Humility and Excellence
Gukesh’s emotional response to his victory, marked by tears of joy and a humble gesture of resetting the chessboard, won hearts worldwide. The 18-year-old’s journey symbolizes the spirit of perseverance and determination.
Reactions from Chess Legends
The chess community erupted with praise for Gukesh’s historic feat. Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand, who mentored Gukesh, expressed his immense pride. “It’s a proud moment for chess, for India, and for me personally,” Anand remarked, highlighting the youngster’s relentless attitude and Ding’s spirited challenge.
Garry Kasparov, whose record as the youngest champion Gukesh broke, lauded the Indian talent pool and emphasized India’s promising chess future. “The summit has been reached, and now the goal must be to raise it even higher,” Kasparov stated.
Judit Polgar, a legendary figure in chess, admired Gukesh’s ability to handle pressure in such a high-stakes match. Her sister, Susan Polgar, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Gukesh’s exceptional qualities and future potential as an ambassador for the sport.
However, not all reactions were celebratory. Vladimir Kramnik criticized Ding’s critical error, calling it a “childish one-move blunder,” reflecting on how the match was decided.
The Moves That Made History
The final game unfolded with precision and intensity:
- Nf3 d5 2. g3 c5 3. Bg2 Nc6 4. d4 e6
… [moves continue until white resigned].
Gukesh’s ability to seize the initiative in the closing stages underscored his tactical acumen and mental fortitude.
A Phenomenal Year for Indian Chess
Gukesh’s triumph adds to an extraordinary year for Indian chess, marked by dominance at the Chess Olympiad and the rise of a new generation of talent. This victory reaffirms India’s position as a powerhouse in the global chess arena.
A Bright Future for Gukesh and Indian Chess
As Gukesh returns home with a well-earned prize of $1.3 million, his journey is far from over. With unparalleled talent, humility, and ambition, Gukesh is poised to scale even greater heights, inspiring millions of chess enthusiasts worldwide.
This historic victory is not just a personal milestone for Gukesh but a defining moment for Indian chess, heralding a new era where “Vishy’s children” continue to shine on the global stage.