Gukesh becomes youngest world chess champion by beating Ding Liren of China
Indian grandmaster Gukesh D became the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18 years, six months and two weeks by defeating reigning champion Ding Liren from China in Game 14 of the world title match in Singapore on Thursday.
After winning the match, Gukesh said he dreamt of winning the world chess title in 2013 when Viswanathan Anand, his Vishy sir, lost to Magnus Carlsen. “In 2013 I watched Vishy sir lose. The title was taken away from India. I wanted to be in the same glass box (soundproof glass cabin or Fishtank, slang for where players compete for the chess championship) and bring back the title. That has been my dream for the last 10 years or so: to be in the glass box. And my best moment, before this, was when I entered the glass box for the first game.”
Continuing with his aggression, novelty and display of guts and nerves throughout the championship, Gukesh kept pressing for a win in a Rook-Bishop pawn endgame theoretically drawn at the grandmaster level. Ding, who had been exchanging pieces throughout the game in an attempt to force a draw in the last game of the 14-round classical format before the rapid and blitz tiebreaks, blinked under pressure and committed a blunder on move 55 when he went for a Rook trade.
Gukesh could not believe what he saw on the board. His eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't play his move immediately. He took his time, reflecting on the position, had a sip of water, and then took Ding’s Rook. Ding held his head in disbelief and resigned after three moves.
Gukesh, whose meditative pose on the chair next to the board has become as famous as his rival’s ‘Dingchilling’ smile, could not hold back any longer. He had not shown a single emotion of joy or dejection in the last 13 games, whether win or lose, but today the floodgates opened. He sobbed and cried as he set up the board again, settling the black pieces back on the board, as his habit—and a gentleman chess tradition—has been. He accepted congratulations on the chair and then got up, throwing his hands in the air to finally exalt in the moment.
Historic and exemplary!
Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination.
His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions… https://t.co/fOqqPZLQlr pic.twitter.com/Xa1kPaiHdg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2024
At the post-match conference, Ding Liren was asked about losing the theoretical endgame. “It was a blunder…a shock. So..., there will be no games tomorrow,” he said, referring to the lack of need for tiebreak games now. He remained desolate and heartbroken but wore the famous ‘Dingchilling’ smile again and said, “I played my best tournament. It could be better. It seems a fair result to lose in the end. No regrets. I will continue to play. I will…”
“It seemed like a draw, but the position was tricky. We had Rook and Bishop but I had three pawns against his two. So, there were a lot of possibilities,” Gukesh said.
Asked to reflect on the victory and what it means, Gukesh again showed a mature champion’s response by saluting his rival, “We all know who Ding is. How much pressure he has to face to be the world champion and try to defend it. And how much fight he gave in this match. He is a true champion. He is a real-world champion. In such matches, the champions step up the momentum. He came here. He was struggling with form and health for the last two years. For me, he is a true champion. I would like to thank him. This could not have been the same for me if he was not my opponent.”
On what he told his mother on phone after the game, he said, “We didn’t say anything. We were crying. I think I said congratulations.”
My career has just started. I want to have a very long career and to stay at the top. Wining a world championship does not mean I am the best. There is Magnus Carlsen. I want to achieve the greatness which he had.”
