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India’s D Gukesh becomes youngest World Chess Champion

In the fifth hour of the final game, tied at 6.5 points each, Ding blundered during a tense endgame, allowing Gukesh to secure the victory, clinch the title, and become the World Chess Champion

South First Desk

Published Dec 12, 2024 | 10:58 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 12, 2024 | 10:58 PM

India’s D Gukesh becomes youngest World Chess Champion

India’s D Gukesh becomes youngest World Chess Champion (@narendramodi on X)

India’s 18-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday, 12 December, by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion after defeating China’s Ding Liren in the final game of the 2024 World Chess Championship.

The 14th and final game of the summit clash, which had remained evenly balanced for most of the match, saw Gukesh clinch victory with a 7.5 to 6.5 score. 

The match, which had seemed destined for a tiebreaker, was marked by Gukesh’s resilience and strategic depth. Throughout the contest, Ding Liren struggled with his clock management, finishing with 23 minutes less on time after the 23rd move. Gukesh capitalized on this, deploying innovative opening-phase strategies that pressured the reigning champion.

The decisive moment came in the fifth hour of the final game, after both players were tied with 6.5 points each, needing a win to secure the title. In a tense endgame, Ding blundered, handing Gukesh the match, the title, and the crown.

With this victory, Gukesh becomes the second Indian ever to win the World Chess Championship, following in the footsteps of legendary GM Viswanathan Anand, who last won the title in 2012. 

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Congratulations pour in 

Anand, a five-time world champion, led a wave of congratulatory messages on social media, celebrating Gukesh’s achievement.

“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,” the former world champion said.

President Droupadi Murmu took to social media platform, X and said,”Heartiest congratulations to Gukesh for becoming the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship. He has done India immensely proud. His victory stamps the authority of India as a chess powerhouse. Well done Gukesh! On behalf of every Indian, I wish you sustained glory in the future.”

Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin congratulated Gukesh on his “remarkable achievement.”

Labelling Gukesh’s win “Historic and exemplary,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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.”

Rahul Gandhi congratulated the new world champion and said, “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!”

President of the Indian National Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge praised Gukesh’s dedication, perseverance, and passion for chess.

X user @TamalDa12168642 said, “Congrats to  @DGukesh for becoming youngest @FIDE_chess Champion ever at the age of 18years.. 2nd Indian after @vishy64theking to win”

Another user, @DeshiProfessor_ wrote, “Congratulations to 18-year-old Gukesh D on becoming the 18th and youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion! He’s now the most successful junior chess player of all time, surpassing Carlsen.  Unbelievable to see in this lifetime.” 

(Compiled by Ananya Rao)

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