Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. The 18-year-old defeated China’s reigning champion, Ding Liren, on Thursday at the 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore.
Gukesh triumphed in the thrilling 14th and final game, securing the title with 7.5 points, while Liren finished with 6.5 points. The match, which was mostly headed towards a draw, ended with Gukesh’s victory in the last classical time control game.
Before this achievement, the record for the youngest world champion was held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who won the title at age 22 by defeating Anatoly Karpov in 1985.
D Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday, December 12, by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. At just 18 years old, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in the decisive 14th game of the 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore. With this win, Gukesh became the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to claim the classical chess world title.
By achieving this feat, Gukesh broke the record set by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who became the youngest world champion at 22 in 1985.
Heading into the final game, Gukesh and Ding were tied at 6.5 points each. The 14th game appeared to be heading toward a draw until Ding made a critical mistake on the 53rd move. Gukesh’s strategy of applying pressure, especially with Ding down a pawn, led to an unforced error by the world champion, allowing Gukesh to capitalize on the mistake.
Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh said, “It’s the best day of my life.”
The match ended with a final score of 7.5-6.5, with Gukesh securing the title in the last classical game, which had seemed poised for a draw for much of the match. This victory made Gukesh the 18th world champion in the history of classical chess and the youngest-ever undisputed champion. Despite Ding’s efforts to force tiebreakers, Gukesh’s precise play in the final moments sealed his place in chess history.
Also Read: D Gukesh Forces Ding Liren to 4th Consecutive Draw in Marathon Game 7
Gukesh Overcome with Emotion After Historic Victory
Gukesh couldn’t hold back his tears after discovering Ding’s mistake during their World Chess Championship match. As he took a water break, the realization of his win hit him, and tears of joy rolled down his face. Upon returning to the board, he smiled, but it wasn’t long before Ding resigned, handing Gukesh the world championship title.
Gukesh made a bold decision to prolong the endgame, despite many experts, including Viswanathan Anand, predicting a draw. His perseverance paid off when he forced a blunder from Ding.
The match started with a setback for Gukesh, as he lost the opening game to Ding, who was playing white. But Gukesh quickly recovered, winning Game 3.
The next seven games ended in draws, but Gukesh stunned Ding in Game 11 with a brilliant performance. Ding responded with a near-perfect game in Game 12, playing white.
In Game 13, Ding held off Gukesh’s pressure to secure another draw, leading to a decisive final game, which Gukesh won, securing his victory.
This year has been nothing short of remarkable for Gukesh. Not only did he become the youngest-ever challenger for the World Chess Championship after winning the Candidates, but he also led India to a historic gold in the Chess Olympiad.
Also Read: India Makes History with Rare Double Gold at Chess Olympiad 2024
FAQs
Q.1. Who is the youngest World Chess Champion?
Ans. D Gukesh is the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, winning the title at 18 years old.
Q.2. When did Gukesh win the World Chess Championship?
Ans. Gukesh won the 2024 World Chess Championship on December 12, defeating Ding Liren.
Q.3. How many points did Gukesh score to win the title?
Ans. Gukesh won the World Chess Championship with a score of 7.5 points, while Ding Liren scored 6.5 points.
Q.4. How did Gukesh win the final game?
Ans. Gukesh won the final game after Ding Liren made a crucial mistake on the 53rd move, leading to Gukesh’s victory.
Q.5. What other achievements has Gukesh accomplished?
Ans. Gukesh also became the youngest challenger for the World Chess Championship and led India to a gold medal in the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
