D Gukesh becomes youngest world chess champion, defeats Ding Liren
PTC Web Desk: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh, at just 18 years old, has etched his name into the annals of chess history by defeating Chinese GM Ding Liren in a nail-biting Game 14 of the World Chess Championship. With this monumental victory, Gukesh becomes the youngest world champion ever and only the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to claim the prestigious title.
Heading into the final game, both players were evenly matched, tied at 6.5 points after 13 fiercely contested rounds. The championship boiled down to a decisive battle, where nothing less than a victory would suffice for either contender.
Ding, determined to break the stalemate, abandoned his usual London opening and opted for a reverse Grünfeld, signaling his intent to play aggressively. Gukesh, however, stood resolute, responding with sharp counterplay and strategically mobilising his pieces to gain control. The initial moves led to an asymmetrical pawn structure, creating a novel position not found in the Masters’ database, setting the stage for a grueling contest.
As the middlegame unfolded, Ding attempted to lure the young challenger into traps, but Gukesh remained calm under pressure. With precise moves and a stronghold in the centre, he nullified Ding's tactics, forcing the defending champion to shift strategies.
By the 20th move, Ding hinted at a potential draw with 20.Nf4, but Gukesh refused to settle, opting to extend the battle. The game transitioned into the endgame after 30 moves, following an intense series of exchanges involving rooks and queens. Both players pushed hard, with Gukesh pressing Ding into a tense rook-and-bishop endgame.
The final stages of the game showcased Gukesh’s extraordinary composure and stamina. With over an hour left on his clock, he relentlessly pressured Ding, who was struggling with less than 10 minutes. As the clock ticked down, the defending champion faltered, making a crucial blunder that Gukesh capitalised on to secure his historic victory.
- With inputs from agencies
