Tue Nov 26 10:07:56 UTC 2024: ## Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh Loses Opening Match Against World Champion Ding Liren
**Singapore** – Eighteen-year-old Indian chess grandmaster D. Gukesh, the youngest player ever to qualify for the World Chess Championship, suffered a defeat in the opening game against reigning champion Ding Liren of China. The match, part of the $2.5 million World Chess Championship held at Resorts World Sentosa, marks the first time an Indian other than Viswanathan Anand has competed for the prestigious title.
Despite a strong initial push, Gukesh was ultimately outmaneuvered by Ding Liren, who employed a solid French defense to secure victory. The championship, a 14-game match with 4 rest days, will span approximately three weeks. Each win is worth $200,000, with the remaining prize money split between the players. In the event of a tie-break, the winner will take home $1.3 million, and the runner-up $1.2 million.
Gukesh’s participation itself is a historic achievement. He became the youngest ever to win the Candidates Tournament, securing his place in the championship. Ding Liren, meanwhile, stepped in after Magnus Carlsen’s decision to relinquish the title. The tournament marks a significant moment for Indian chess, with Gukesh aiming to become the youngest world champion ever.
First Piper 