New Delhi: Aiming for history is one thing, creating it is quite another. When he was only 11, D Gukesh had boldly proclaimed his dream of becoming the youngest world chess champion. On Thursday, he turned his dream into reality, beating title holder Ding Liren of China in Singapore in the final game of the World Chess Championship.
Gukesh stood one step away from creating history, when he won the Candidates tournament earlier in the year. But still he had a lot to do to finish on top of Liren over 14 classical time control format contest.
He kept at it, even after losing the opening game and gradually grew into the contest and surged ahead when Liren had no time mount a comeback.
Gukesh became the youngest champion at 18 years eight months and 14 days, surpassing Russian icon Gary Kasparov’s earlier mark of 22 years six months and 27 days in 1985.
He is also the second Indian grandmaster after Viswanathan Anand to become the world champion.
‘Living my dream’
“I am just living my dream. I was dreaming this moment for last 10 years. Happy I realised this dream,” Gukesh said right after his win.
“I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on. I’ve been dreaming about this and living this moment since I was 6 or 7.
“Every chess player wants to live this moment. I’m living my dream. I’d like to thank God from candidates till the championship, he added while also praising Liren.
“To me Ding is a real world champion. He fought like a true champion and I’m sorry for Ding and team. I would like to thank my opponent.”
“I know I’m not going to sleep tonight” – 🇮🇳 Gukesh D #DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/mMZ3ywKkBj
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 12, 2024
Gukesh credited his parents for their unwavering support in his history-making journey. “The dream of winning world chess championship is bigger for them than for me,” he said regarding his parents’ contributions.
Liren accepted his mistake paved the way for his defeat but praised Gukesh. “It took while to realise that I blundered. I think I played my best tournament in the year,” he said.
“I could be better, but it’s a fair result to lose in the end. I have no regrets.”
D Gukesh became the youngest champion at 18 years eight months and 14 days, surpassing Russian icon Gary Kasparov’s earlier mark of 22 years six months and 27 days in 1985. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
