Chess: India's D Gukesh Makes History As Youngest World Chess Champion

As Ding Liren and D Gukesh entered the 14th and final game tied at 6.5 points each, the stage was set for a thrilling showdown.

Chess: India's D Gukesh is now the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to achieve this milestone.

Source : PTI

Indian grandmaster D Gukesh made history as youngest World Chess Champion in Singapore on Thursday (December 12). The 18-year-old defeated China's Ding Liren in Game 14 for title triumph.

Gukesh, playing with the black pieces, secured a 7.5-6.5 win to claime the title. He is now the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to achieve this milestone.

As Ding Liren and D Gukesh entered the 14th and final game tied at 6.5 points each, the stage was set for a thrilling showdown. Gukesh relentlessly pressured Ding, who was looking to steer the game toward a draw.

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However, a critical blunder by Ding on the 53rd move turned the tide. Gukesh capitalized on the mistake with a brilliant move, clinching the victory and earning the title of 18th World Chess Champion, becoming the youngest undisputed champion in history.

D Gukesh in tears after defeating Ding Liren in World Chess Championship 

POV: You're the World Champion ft. @DGukesh! #GukeshDing pic.twitter.com/z8pDSWVPTx

— Chess.com - India (@chesscom_in) December 12, 2024

"It's the best day of my life," Gukesh said after his historic win. The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for the Indian grandmaster, as he not only guided India to a historic gold in the Chess Olympiad but also triumphed in the Candidates Tournament, becoming the youngest-ever challenger for the World Chess Championship.

2017 - A 11 year old kid from Chennai, India manifest to become youngest World Chess Champion

2024 - 18 Years old GUKESH HAS BECOME WORLD CHAMPION.

A historic day for Indian chess! 🇮🇳❤️
Respect for him 🫡 whole india is proud of u#GukeshDing | #Gukesh pic.twitter.com/UVRbVdZfLM

— 𝐒𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐢 🌸 (@Saanvisedurraho) December 12, 2024

Experts, including the legendary Viswanathan Anand, predicted the thrilling final (Game 14) would end in a draw. However, Gukesh kept the pressure on and forced Ding into a mistake.

After seven consecutive draws, Gukesh defeated the reigning champion in Game 11. Ding made a strong comeback with a win in Game 12. Game 13 ended in a draw, setting up a tense final in which the Indian Grandmaster emerged the ultimate winner to clinch the title.