NEW DELHI:
D Gukesh
, India's chess sensation, has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest player ever to win the
FIDE Candidates tournament
, earning the right to challenge chess world champion Ding Liren. At just 17 years old, Gukesh's triumph surpasses a record set by
Garry Kasparov
four decades ago.
Scoring an impressive 9/14 points, Gukesh secured first place in the tournament, joining
Viswanathan Anand
as the only Indian players to achieve this feat.
Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh expressed relief and joy, sharing insights into his mental preparation and the support he received from his second, Gregorz Gazevsky. The chess community, including Anand, has lauded Gukesh's triumph, with congratulatory messages pouring in from all corners.
Gukesh's victory in the final round showcased his readiness for elite-level competition. With the world championship dates and venue yet to be confirmed, Gukesh's historic win marks the beginning of a promising career.
Already a Grandmaster at 12 and a silver medalist at the Hangzhou Asian Games, Gukesh continues to inspire chess enthusiasts worldwide.
"My next goal is to make it big at the World Championship. I am just planning to do my absolute best and try to do the right things. And be in the ideal shape required to play good chess. And I hope things will go my way," Gukesh told ANI after the win.
D Gukesh: The Rising Star of Indian Chess
For 36 years, Vishwanathan Anand was number 1 in India. Then Gukesh happened. The chess landscape in India has witnessed a seismic shift with the emergence of 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh, who has eclipsed the iconic Anand as the country's top player in August last year.
The Chennai prodigy's meteoric rise is marked by his performances, including a historic run at the Chess Olympiad and a commendable quarterfinal finish at the World Cup 2023 in Baku.
Gukesh's journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with the young Grandmaster experiencing both highs and lows. Despite a challenging phase, Gukesh's resilience and skill have propelled him to the forefront of the chess world.
Gukesh's remarkable performance at the Chess Olympiad in Mamallapuram, where he secured an individual gold with a stunning 9 out of 11 points, solidified his reputation as a formidable opponent. His coach, GM
Vishnu Prasanna
, acknowledges the rough patches that followed but praises Gukesh's ability to navigate through them.
Despite experiencing mental challenges and a search for a breakthrough, Gukesh's perseverance paid off during the Tata Steel Chess 2023. A victory over Iranian GM Parham Maghsoodloo marked a turning point, leading to a series of unbeaten games and a newfound positive mindset.
Gukesh's ascent to India's No.1 spot, overtaking Anand, is a remarkable feat, especially considering Anand's mentorship role at the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy. Coaches like Vishnu Prasanna and RB Ramesh have recognized Gukesh's confidence, hard work, and belief in his abilities, which have been instrumental in his rapid progress.
Gukesh has now become the youngest player ever to win the Candidates Tournament, surpassing a record held by Garry Kasparov. This victory not only cements his place as a challenger to the world champion but also places him alongside Viswanathan Anand as the second Indian to win the prestigious event.
With his eyes set on becoming World No. 1, Gukesh remains undeterred by expectations and is focused on conquering more chess summits. The next goal is the aspiration to claim world titles.
English (US) ·