Mon Nov 25 11:15:54 UTC 2024: ## Indian Teen Prodigy Gukesh Takes on Reigning Champion Ding Liren in World Chess Championship
**Singapore** – The world’s chess community is eagerly awaiting the clash of titans as the World Chess Championship 2024 kicks off. The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, with the matches beginning Monday. India’s 18-year-old rising star, R. Praggnanandhaa (“Gukesh”), will face off against defending champion Ding Liren of China in a 14-round battle for the prestigious title.
Gukesh’s participation marks a historic moment for India. He is only the second Indian player, after Viswanathan Anand, to reach the World Chess Championship final. A victory would also make him the youngest-ever world champion. Gukesh secured his place in the final after winning the Candidates Tournament in April.
The championship is a significant event, marking the first time in 138 years that two Asian players will contest the final. Gukesh, ranked fifth in the world, enters the tournament as a slight favorite despite Liren’s experience as the defending champion. However, Liren’s recent performance has dipped, and he currently holds the 23rd world ranking.
The 14-round match, running from November 25th to December 12th, will feature one game per day, with rest days after every three rounds. The first player to reach 7.5 points wins (1 point for a win, 0.5 for a draw); a tiebreaker will determine the winner if the score remains equal after all rounds. Gukesh will play with white pieces in the first game.
Both players expressed their determination. Gukesh stated his confidence in his preparation and his desire to perform at his best, while Liren acknowledged a recent dip in form, but also highlighted his experience. The world watches with bated breath to see if the young Indian prodigy can upset the reigning champion and create history.
First Piper 