Youngest-ever world championship challenger Gukesh makes history
PTC News Desk: In a historic feat, 17-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh from Chennai has etched his name in chess history by winning the Fide Candidates tournament, securing his position as the youngest-ever World Championship challenger.
This triumph marks a significant milestone as Gukesh becomes the first teenager ever to clinch victory in this prestigious tournament. With an impressive score of 9/14, he emerged as the top contender, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, making him the second Indian to claim victory in the Candidates.
Gukesh's remarkable journey now leads him to a face-off against Ding Liren in the ultimate battle for the title of world chess champion, slated to take place later this year.
As the final round of the Candidates unfolded, Gukesh found himself in a unique position, requiring only a draw against the formidable Hikaru Nakamura, ranked third globally, to secure his victory. Simultaneously, other contenders like Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Nakamura were compelled to secure wins to stay in contention. Gukesh's calm demeanor proved pivotal as he achieved the desired draw, while fate favored him with draws in the critical games between Caruana and Nepomniachtchi.
Despite being the underdog in a field featuring top-ranked players and seasoned veterans, Gukesh defied the odds with his exceptional performance over the past three weeks. His strategic prowess, coupled with composure under pressure, showcased a level of maturity far beyond his years.
Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World No. 1, expressed surprise at Gukesh's stellar performance, highlighting the teenager's impressive display of skill and preparation. Gukesh's unconventional moves, such as deploying the bishop to e7 early in the game, caught the attention of experts, reflecting his deep understanding of the game and meticulous preparation alongside his trainer, Grzegorz Gajewski.
In a tense final round match against Nakamura, Gukesh remained unruffled, maintaining a solid advantage throughout the game. Despite Nakamura's attempts to press for a win, Gukesh's strategic play ultimately led to a draw, securing his place as the Candidates champion.
As Gukesh prepares to face Ding Liren in the upcoming World Championship battle, his historic victory heralds a new chapter in the annals of chess, reaffirming India's prominence on the global stage.
In the women's category, former world champion Tan Zhongyi emerged victorious in the Candidates tournament, earning the opportunity to challenge Ju Wenjun for the Women's World Championship title. India's R Vaishali showcased a remarkable comeback, securing a tied second-place finish alongside Koneru Humpy and Lei Tingjie, after a string of impressive victories following initial setbacks.
- With inputs from agencies
