Indian Teen Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion
Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion after defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in a dramatic final. At just 18 years old, Dommaraju surpassed Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov’s record, who was 22 when he won the title in 1985.
Chess Prodigy from Chennai
Dommaraju, a chess prodigy from Chennai, India’s chess capital, achieved the title of grandmaster at the age of 12. Though he entered the FIDE World Chess Championship as an outsider, he impressed the chess world with his remarkable performance, ultimately clinching the title with a score of 7.5 to 6.5.
The Turning Point: Ding Liren’s Fatal Blunder
In the final game, Dommaraju capitalized on a critical blunder by Ding Liren. With Ding having a seemingly secure position, he made a mistake on the 55th move, losing his last powerful piece. This allowed Dommaraju to secure the win and become the 18th World Chess Champion.
A Moment of Pride for India
Dommaraju’s victory is a significant moment for Indian chess, as he becomes only the second Indian chess champion, following Viswanathan Anand, who last won in 2012. Dommaraju expressed his pride, stating that this was not just a victory for him but a proud moment for India.
Recognition and Praise
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dommaraju on his achievement, describing it as “historic and exemplary.” Modi praised Dommaraju’s “unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination” and celebrated this remarkable feat in the world of chess.
The FIDE World Chess Championship comes with a substantial $2.5 million prize fund, further solidifying Dommaraju’s place in chess history.
