D Gukesh Makes History as Youngest-Ever World Championship Contender
India’s chess prodigy, 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh, has etched his name in the annals of chess history by clinching victory in the Candidates Chess Tournament. This remarkable achievement propels him to the status of the youngest contender for the world title, setting the stage for a showdown against reigning champion Ding Liren of China later this year.
Gukesh’s triumph was sealed with nine out of a possible 14 points, culminating in a draw in his final round encounter against American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. This victory marks a significant milestone in his career, making him only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to clinch victory in the prestigious Candidates Tournament. Anand himself took to social media to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the young prodigy, expressing pride in Gukesh’s exceptional performance and composure under pressure.
The outcome of the tournament hinged on the result of the final game between Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia and top-seeded American Fabiano Caruana. A draw in this critical encounter ensured Gukesh’s undisputed lead and secured his historic victory.
Gukesh’s meteoric rise in the world of chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. He first garnered attention by achieving the title of Grandmaster at the tender age of 12, making him the third-youngest in chess history to attain this prestigious rank. His stellar performances continued with a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the chess world.
As the chess community eagerly awaits the upcoming world championship, the dates and venue for the momentous event are yet to be finalized. However, Gukesh’s unprecedented feat has already left an indelible mark on the world of chess, inspiring a new generation of aspiring players to chase their dreams with unwavering determination and dedication.
