Gukesh Dommaraju, the 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, India, made history on Thursday by defeating China's Ding Liren to become the youngest World Chess Champion at the FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore. Dommaraju's triumph marks him as the 18th world champion and the second from India, positioning him alongside the legendary Viswanathan Anand.
The final match culminated after 14 tense encounters, with Dommaraju clinching victory with a score of 7.5 to 6.5. The turning point of this decisive battle occurred on the 55th move, where Ding, who had been the reigning champion since April 2023, made what many commentators deemed a costly blunder. “I was totally in shock when I realized I made a blunder,” Ding reflected later, highlighting how unexpected the turn of events was.
Dommaraju, who began his chess adventure as early as 6 and became a grandmaster at the age of 12, exhibited remarkable composure throughout the championship. He secured his place to challenge Ding by winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year, showcasing his immense talent on the global stage.
This championship was historic not only for Dommaraju but also for the chess community, as it was the first time two Asian players competed for the world title. With this win, Dommaraju has broken the long-standing record previously set by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he first won the title back in 1985.
Following the match, emotions ran high. Dommaraju expressed his disbelief, saying, “When I realized it was probably the best moment of my life.” His victory prompted congratulations from significant political figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who celebrated the achievement on social media, declaring it “historic and exemplary!” Modi emphasized Dommaraju's hard work and talent as key factors contributing to his success.
This match encompassed not just chess strategies but also presented insights about the sport's evolution, particularly within India. The nation has seen a rapid rise of talent, boasting over 85 grandmasters and nurturing young players through various initiatives, enhancing what is being referred to as one of the most vibrant chess ecosystems worldwide.
Meanwhile, Ding Liren's defeat marks the second loss of the title since Magnus Carlsen's relinquishing of it due to personal motivations. Currently, Ding's form feels as much like history as the match itself, as he struggled to win long-time classical games since January 2023, having been pushed to the edge again by the increasingly competitive field.
Dommaraju's win signifies not just personal achievement but also reinforces India’s status as an upcoming chess powerhouse. President of India, Draupadi Murmu, also lauded the young champion, stating, “Gukesh's victory stamps the authority of India as a chess powerhouse.” This sentiment echoes the growing recognition and support for chess across the nation, which could mean even more prospects for future generations of players.
The impact of Dommaraju’s victory will resonate beyond just the chess community. The heightened interest and investment in chess education could pave the way for new initiatives aimed at nurturing young talents, inspired by this triumph. It's evident as chess culture continues to gain foothold, highlighting the importance of mentorship and training influenced by senior figures like Viswanathan Anand, who himself has been instrumental in promoting the game within India.
With the success of players like Dommaraju, the future of chess is bright. Intrigued observers now wonder how this young talent will evolve, continuing to challenge not just national but also international norms and expectations within the sport. One thing is certain—Gukesh Dommaraju's name will be remembered as part of chess history, fueling aspirations for many young aspirants around the globe.
