Gukesh became the only world champion with a unique distinction |Courtesy- FIDE
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Gukesh created history in Singapore
- Gukesh is the first player to achieve a rare feat
- Gukesh beat Ding Liren
In a moment that will go down among the greatest sporting moments of independent India in the sporitng sector, Gukesh wrote his name in the history books by winning the 2024 World Chess Championship after a dramatic clash against 2023 winner Ding Liren.
In the 14th game, Gukesh showed nerves of steel to register a stunning victory to seal a 7.5-6.5 victory. With nine daws and two wins each coming into the game, the match was a winner takes it all. However, a draw looked likely for most parts with the positions not leaving much for either player to work.
Ding appeared to be rushing towards a draw and offered Gukesh many trades, which the Indian kept refusing. The candidates winner kept pushing for a victory although it looked unrealistic. However, the India grandmasters' resilience paid as Ding made a blunder on his 55th move as he moved his rook to F2. Had Ding moved the rook to any other square or used his bishop instead, he would have been safe.
Gukesh was quick to take notice of the mistake and evidently surprised. The Indian made no mistake and made the right calculations to seal the victory which left him in tears.
Gukesh Creates History
After becoming the 18th World Champion at the age of 18, Gukesh is the youngest world champion in history. He broke a 39-year-old record held by Russia's Garry Kasparov, who won the title in 1985 at the age of 22. This makes Gukesh the first chess world champion in history before turning 20, meaning he is the only teenager to win the coverted crown.
Youngest Chess World Champion In History
| Player |
Year |
Country |
| D Gukesh |
2024 |
18 Years, 8 Months, 4 Days |
| Garry Kasporaov |
1985 |
22 Years, 6 Months, 27 Days |
| Magnus Carlsen |
2013 |
22 Years, 11 Months, 24 Days |
| Mikhail Tal |
1960 |
23 Years, 5 Months, 28 Dayss |
| Anatoly Karpov |
1975 |
23 Years, 10 Months, 11 Days |
Gukesh is only the second Indian in history after Viswanathan Anand to be crowned world champion. Anand won the title in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012. However, his first title came days after his 31st birthday while the remaining four wins were at the age of 38, 39, 40, and 42 respectively.
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