Sport

Gukesh Dommaraju: The 18-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Who Made History!

2024-12-12

Author: Wei

Gukesh Dommaraju: The 18-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Who Made History!

In a stunning twist in the world of chess, Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion at just 18 years old. This monumental achievement was secured on Thursday when he defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a nail-biting final match of the FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore.

With this victory, Gukesh breaks the previous record held by the legendary Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who won his first title at the age of 22 in 1985. The Chennai-born prodigy has been a prominent figure in the chess community for years, having earned his grandmaster title at the mere age of 12.

Heading into the championship, many viewed Dommaraju as the underdog against Ding, especially given the latter's previous successes, including his 2023 title win. However, Gukesh's skillful play and strategic acumen allowed him to rise to the occasion.

The match was closely watched by chess enthusiasts across the globe, each move analyzed and debated in real-time. The final score of 7.5-6.5 marked a dramatic conclusion to a fortnight filled with intense competition that saw both players showcasing their mastery of the game.

Despite Ding's reputation for resilience, he entered the championship under a cloud of pressure, not having secured a classical game victory since early January, leaving fans and critics speculating about his form. The defending champion started strong with an impressive opening game and even won the penultimate match, hinting at a potential comeback.

However, in a critical moment on move 55 of the final game, Ding's ill-fated rook move allowed Gukesh a golden opportunity to seize control of the board. Recognizing his mistake almost instantly, Ding appeared defeated, slumping over the table as he realized the gravity of the blunder.

As reported by Chess.com, 'Ding seemed to have a risk-free chance to push for a win but instead liquidated into a pawn-down endgame. It should have been drawn, but Ding blundered as the pressure grew.'

With this victory, Gukesh Dommaraju not only secures his place in chess history but also inspires a new generation of players around the world. Will he continue to dominate the chess world? Enthusiasts eagerly await his next move!