First, D Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest ever to become World Chess Champion and the first teenager to win a prestigious title. India’s 18-year-old prodigy beat China’s Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in a nail biting final to become the youngest winner of the championship since Garry Kasparov in 1985. Gukesh’s victory also sees his become the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to hold this title.
The decider, on December 12, set the tone. In the match tied at 6.5 points each, white for 6.5 points Ding was on track for a draw. But on his 53th move, Gukesh set up that critical error. But the capitalization became a mistake for Ding and it was quickly seized upon by the Indian Grandmaster, who continued to push and got Ding into another blunder that sealed his historic win. It poured down to Gukesh’s tears, who realized just how far they took him.
Gukesh didn’t have easy path to the championship. Starting with a loss in Game 1 playing white, he pulled out an amazing win in Game 3. Of the next seven games, all ended in draws with the two players having a close battle. Gukesh avenged his defeat in the 11th game after he won, but Ding levelled through Game 12. Ding held of Gukesh’s aggressive play in Game 13 in the build up to the dramatic finale.
Gukesh’s achievement not only adds a note to the chess history but indicates a new page in the sport’s history. To see his amazing composure, and his amazing strategic brilliance even at such a young age, has thrilled millions, and cemented him as one of the brightest stars in the chess world. But it is a very big moment for Indian chess and Gukesh certainly deserves this because he is an extraordinary talented person and had a huge determination to win.
