Fri Dec 13 01:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Indian Chess Prodigy D. Gukesh Becomes World Champion at 18
**Chennai, India** – Eighteen-year-old D. Gukesh has created history by winning the World Chess Championship, defeating Ding Liren in a thrilling final round. Gukesh’s victory is remarkable, breaking the record for the youngest world champion, previously held by Garry Kasparov. His win comes after a tense match that saw both players tied on points until the final round. Gukesh’s decisive victory secured him the title.
The young chess grandmaster’s achievement has garnered widespread praise, including from legendary Indian chess player Viswanathan Anand, who shared a childhood photo of Gukesh on social media with the caption, “The King now.” Anand had previously presented Gukesh with a championship trophy five years ago during an under-13 competition.
Gukesh’s win marks a significant moment for Indian chess, shattering Kasparov’s record by several years. The previous record stood at 22 years, 6 months, and 27 days. Gukesh secured the title at the age of 18 years, 8 months, and 14 days. The final match was a closely fought battle, with both players demonstrating exceptional skill. However, a crucial error by Liren in the final round paved the way for Gukesh’s triumph.
The win cements Gukesh’s place as a rising star in the world of chess and underscores the continued strength of Indian chess talent on the global stage.
First Piper 