D Gukesh won the World Chess Championship crown

Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju made history by becoming the youngest-ever world champion after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in the decisive 14th game of the World Chess Championship match in Singapore on Thursday, 12 December. At just 18 years old, Gukesh also became the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to claim the classical chess world championship title.

Gukesh shattered the record previously held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who had become the youngest world chess champion at the age of 22 in 1985.

Gukesh and Ding headed into the final game of the match on Thursday tied on 6.5 points each. The 14th game, in which Ding played with the white pieces, seemed destined for a draw until Ding made a crucial mistake on the 53rd move. Gukesh's strategy of maintaining pressure on Ding, who was a pawn down, ultimately paid off, leading to an unforced error from last year’s world champion in the closing stages.

"It's the best day of my life," Gukesh said, reflecting on his



historic victory while applauding his opponent Ding for rallying against the odds and fighting hard over the last two weeks.

Gukesh said the world championship victory was merely the beginning of what he envisions as a "very, very long and successful career." The teenager from India made his ambitions clear, stating that he dreams of reaching the level of greatness exemplified by his idol, Magnus Carlsen.

"Obviously, becoming the world champion doesn't mean that I am the best player in the world. Obviously, there's Magnus. So, it's also a motivating factor that there is someone at the very, very high level and something that will keep me doing the right things and try to reach the level of greatness that Magnus has achieved," Gukesh said.

Gukesh clinched the championship with a final score of 7.5-6.5, securing victory in the last classical game, which for much of the match had appeared headed for a draw. Gukesh will be head home with USD 1.3 million prize money following the historic victory.