“Gukesh Dommaraju Makes History as Youngest World Chess Champion, Following in the Footsteps of Viswanathan Anand”
Gukesh Dommaraju, the 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, India, has made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at the FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore. In a thrilling final match against China’s Ding Liren, Dommaraju emerged victorious with a score of 7.5 to 6.5 after 14 intense encounters.
The championship match reached a turning point on the 55th move when Ding Liren, the reigning champion since April 2023, made a costly blunder, leading to Dommaraju’s triumph. Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Ding expressed his shock at the outcome.
Dommaraju’s journey to the world title began at the age of 6, and he became a grandmaster at just 12 years old. His exceptional talent was on full display as he secured his place to challenge Ding by winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.
This historic championship marked the first time two Asian players competed for the world title, showcasing the growing talent and competitiveness in the region. Dommaraju’s win also broke the record set by Garry Kasparov, making him the youngest world champion at 18.
Following his victory, Dommaraju expressed his disbelief at the achievement, calling it the best moment of his life. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the young champion on social media, praising his hard work and talent.
Dommaraju’s win not only signifies personal achievement but also reinforces India’s status as a rising chess powerhouse. The President of India, Draupadi Murmu, commended the young champion, highlighting India’s growing recognition in the chess world.
The impact of Dommaraju’s victory extends beyond the chess community, sparking increased interest and investment in chess education. With players like Dommaraju leading the way, the future of chess looks bright, inspiring young talents around the globe to pursue their dreams in the game.
As Dommaraju’s name becomes etched in chess history, his win serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring players and underscores the importance of mentorship and training in nurturing the next generation of chess champions. The world eagerly awaits to see how this young talent will continue to challenge norms and expectations in the sport, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of chess.