Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion at the age of 18. In a stunning victory, he defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a 14-game match in Singapore. Gukesh's win came in the final game of the match, with a score of 7.5-6.5.
Ding Liren, whose form had been struggling, managed to even the score with a victory in round 12. However, he ultimately faltered under pressure in the final game, allowing Gukesh to claim the title. Gukesh expressed surprise at his win, stating that he did not expect to come out on top in that particular position.
The match had a prize fund of $2.5 million US and was watched by chess enthusiasts around the world. Gukesh had previously qualified for the World Chess Championship by winning the FIDE Candidates tournament in Toronto. His victory was celebrated in India, where chess has been gaining popularity, thanks in part to efforts by former world champion Viswanathan Anand to promote the game.
Gukesh, who was born in Chennai, India, became a grandmaster at the age of 12, making him the third-youngest person to achieve that title at the time. He will now hold the title of world champion, a prestigious honor in the world of chess.
The match between Gukesh and Ding Liren showcased the intense competition and strategic skill required in the game of chess. Gukesh's win marks a significant milestone in his young career and solidifies his position as one of the top players in the world.