Chess Olympiad 2022: D. Gukesh shines with eight successive wins, Pia Cramling makes history at 59

Chess Olympiad in Chennai Sees Young and Seasoned Players Shine

At the Chennai Chess Olympiad in 2022, the spotlight was on two exceptional players who stood out for their remarkable performances. D. Gukesh, a 16-year-old prodigy, stole the show with eight consecutive wins on the top board for India-2, securing the individual gold medal in the open section. On the other hand, Pia Cramling, a seasoned Swedish Grandmaster at 59, clinched the gold on the top board in the women’s event.

Cramling, a former World No. 1 and a trailblazer for women in chess, has been a stalwart in the game for decades. She expressed her delight at the increasing recognition of women’s chess and highlighted the significance of equal prize money for both genders. The upcoming Norway Chess tournament, where she will be competing, offers a level playing field in terms of prize funds, a rare occurrence in international chess.

Speaking from Sweden, Cramling shared her enduring passion for the game, emphasizing her love for chess and the joy it brings her. Her recent triumph at the Olympiad in Chennai, where she played alongside her daughter and was coached by her husband, added to her illustrious career.

While Cramling basked in her victory, she also acknowledged the impressive performance of Gukesh, who has since risen to prominence and is set to challenge Ding Liren for the World Championship later this year. Reflecting on her own encounter with Gukesh in the French League, Cramling noted the young player’s potential and predicted a tough battle for Ding in the title match.

As Cramling gears up for the Norway Chess tournament, her unwavering dedication to the game serves as an inspiration to players of all ages and backgrounds. With a blend of youthful talent and seasoned expertise, the chess world continues to witness remarkable feats on the board.