Fri Dec 13 05:04:59 UTC 2024: ## Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh Becomes World Champion at 18
**Singapore** – In a thrilling upset, 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa Gukesh has defeated reigning champion Ding Liren of China to win the World Chess Championship. The 14-round match, held in Singapore, culminated in a dramatic final round where Gukesh, playing black, secured a victory in the 58th move, achieving a final score of 7.5-6.5.
After 13 rounds, both players were tied with 6.5 points each, setting the stage for a nail-biting final match. The game lasted over three hours, with both players exhibiting exceptional skill and a tense battle expected to end in a draw. However, Gukesh’s stunning final move secured an unexpected victory.
This win marks a historic moment for Indian chess, reclaiming the World Championship title after an 11-year gap. Gukesh, visibly emotional after his win, attributed his success to two years of intense training and a decade of dedication to the sport. He expressed his gratitude to his supporters and his sadness for Ding Liren’s defeat.
The young champion will receive a prize of approximately ₹20.8 crore (approximately $2.5 million USD). Congratulations are pouring in from across India and the global chess community for this remarkable achievement.
First Piper 