India: Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest world chess champion, beating defending champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling final round. The victory marks a monumental milestone for the 18-year-old from Chennai, who tops the record previously held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who won the title at 22 in 1985.
Dommaraju’s triumph in the FIDE World Chess Championship, held in Singapore, concluded with a dramatic victory in the final game. Playing on black, he capitalised on a critical error from Ding, who moved his rook into a vulnerable position, leading to his defeat. Dommaraju nailed the title with a final score of 7.5 to 6.5 in the 14-game series.
The youngest world champion in chess history, Dommaraju was initially seen as an underdog in the tournament, entering as the fifth-ranked player globally and second in India. His journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary, having become a grandmaster at just 12 years old.
Born in Chennai, often guided to as India’s chess capital, Dommaraju’s rise began when his parents, both medical professionals, enrolled him in chess classes after school. His exceptional talent was quickly recognised, leading to years of focused training that culminated in his crowning achievement this week.
In a post-match interview, the emotional teenager stated that, “I probably got so emotional because I did not expect to win that position.” Dommaraju is now only the second Indian to win the world title, following in the footsteps of five-time champion Viswanathan Anand.
Ding Liren, who became China’s first chess world champion in 2023, had shown flashes of intelligence in the tournament but struggled with consistency. His defeat in the final game came after a tense series of draws and wins, with the pressure mounting in the decisive moments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the wave of congratulations for the young champion, calling the victory “historic and exemplary.” The win is a moment of nationwide pride for India and cements Dommaraju’s legacy in the global chess arena. The FIDE World Chess Championship featured a prize fund of $2.5 million, adding to the importance of Dommaraju’s remarkable achievement.
TRENDING | Queensland introduces tougher laws for child offenders
