India’s chess prodigy, D Gukesh, has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to win the FIDE Candidates tournament, securing the opportunity to challenge chess world champion Ding Liren. At just 17 years old, Gukesh’s remarkable victory surpasses a record set by the legendary Garry Kasparov four decades ago.
Scoring an impressive 9/14 points, Gukesh emerged victorious in the tournament, joining the ranks of Viswanathan Anand as the only Indian players to achieve this prestigious feat. Reflecting on his win, Gukesh expressed relief and joy, highlighting the mental preparation and support he received from his second, Gregorz Gazevsky. The chess community, including Anand, has showered Gukesh with praise and congratulations.
Gukesh’s triumph in the final round showcased his readiness for elite-level competition, setting the stage for a promising career ahead. Already a Grandmaster at the age of 12 and a silver medalist at the Hangzhou Asian Games, Gukesh continues to inspire chess enthusiasts worldwide.
Looking ahead, Gukesh shared his next goal of excelling at the World Championship, emphasizing his commitment to giving his best and staying in prime condition to play top-notch chess. With the world championship dates and venue yet to be confirmed, Gukesh’s historic win marks the beginning of what promises to be a stellar journey in the world of chess.
As the rising star of Indian chess, Gukesh’s meteoric rise has reshaped the landscape of the game in the country, surpassing even the iconic Vishwanathan Anand as India’s top player. With his sights set on claiming world titles and reaching the pinnacle of the chess world, Gukesh’s determination and talent continue to propel him towards greater heights in the realm of chess.