The world of chess has just witnessed an historic moment as India's prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, at 18 years of age, emerges as the youngest undisputed world chess champion. The Singapore win over reigning champion Ding Liren of China brings significant milestones not only to the credit of Gukesh but also to the entire global chess fraternity.
Controversy Surroudning Gukesh Dommaraju's Historic Chess Victory
Following the remarkable feat accomplished by Gukesh Dommaraju as the young world chess champion, controversies have arisen over his disputed victory against Ding Liren. The Russian Chess Federation chief, Andrei Filatov, has publicly accused Ding of deliberately losing the championship match, causing a storm of controversy within the chess circles.
Accusation of Intentional Loss
After the last game on 12 December 2024 where Gukesh finally managed to win with the score of 7.5 to 6.5, Filatov mentioned that he was speechless over Ding's critical mistake of losing the final game. He demanded an investigation by FIDE, as "the actions of the Chinese chess player in the decisive segment are extremely suspicious" and such a loss is "difficult even for a first-class player." This accusation has sparked a heated debate among chess enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Gukesh's Victory Amid Controversy
Allegations aside, the victory of Gukesh marks a milestone for Indian chess. He is 18 years old and just the second Indian to claim this prestigious title after the legend, Viswanathan Anand. After the victory, Gukesh opened his heart saying,
"I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years"
And how surprised he was by this important achievement.
Political Consequences: A Fight Over Legacy
With the fame of Gukesh, interest in his heritage also grows. The political battle has now erupted between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Andhra Pradesh's former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu as each one claims Gukesh to be a part of their cultural lineage. This debate speaks volumes about regional pride and identity within India as both leaders seek to celebrate Gukesh's success while asserting influence through their respective states.
A Thrilling Championship Finale
The championship ended on 12 December 2024, following a grueling 14-game match that kept the audience in suspense. Going into the last game level at 6.5 points, each player was under intense pressure. Gukesh took advantage of a decisive error by Ding in what had seemed a balanced game while playing with the black pieces and took the match 7.5-6.5. This win broke the previous record set by Garry Kasparov as the youngest world champion four years earlier but also reaffirmed India as a chess power house.
Gukesh's Path to Glory
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Gukesh's journey began when he was seven years old, inspired by Viswanathan Anand's matches. He became India's youngest grandmaster at age 12 and has created a record for himself; the latest one is for being the youngest to have won the Candidates Tournament early this year. His rise into the chess world has been so phenomenal that it has been underpinned by a sheer work ethic and strategic brilliance-a quality that has always characterized him throughout the championship.
Emotional Victory and Sportsmanship
Gukesh burst into tears of joy as he hugged his father and fans, who erupted in jubilation back home, after he sealed his title. The young chess player showed exemplary sportsmanship by acknowledging Ding's efforts, saying he "fought like a true champion" throughout the match. The weight of this victory was felt as Gukesh thought about all the years he had put into his game.
Impact on Indian Chess
This is not just a personal achievement but a monumental moment for Indian chess. He is now only the second Indian to have this title, following that of Viswanathan Anand, who dominated the scene for years. This is expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in India and elevate the country's presence in international chess competitions.
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Future of Chess: Looking Ahead
As Gukesh prepares to defend his title in 2026, the chess world is eager to see if there are potential matchups against former champions like Magnus Carlsen, who remains an active competitor even after stepping down from title contention. Gukesh would love to face Carlsen again, saying that
"It would be the toughest challenge there is in chess.".
In conclusion, Gukesh Dommaraju's historic victory not only cements his place in chess history but also heralds a new era for Indian chess on the global stage. His journey from a young dreamer to world champion serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring players everywhere.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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