Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old from Chennai, India, has made history by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion after a closely watched four-hour battle against defending champion Ding Liren in the FIDE World Chess Championship. This achievement marks a proud moment for chess, India, and personally for Dommaraju.
Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old from Chennai, India, has made history by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion. This achievement comes after a closely watched four-hour battle against defending champion Ding Liren in the FIDE World Chess Championship.
Dommaraju and Ding had eight draws and two wins apiece going into the final game on Thursday. Players receive one point for a win and half a point each for a draw. Dommaraju claimed the title with a final score of 7.5 to 6.5, becoming just the 18th world chess champion.
He was crowned a grandmaster at the age of 12 years and seven months – the third-youngest in history. The teenager has spoken before about how yoga and mindful thinking have helped him deal with the pressures of his chess career. He stayed focused on Thursday as his opponent, the defending champion Ding, appeared to buckle under the pressure.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first public figures showering praise. “Historic and exemplary!” he wrote on X. “Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination.”
This achievement marks a proud moment for chess, India, and personally for Dommaraju. It is also the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination.
