Fri Dec 13 05:46:09 UTC 2024: ## 18-Year-Old Indian Chess Prodigy D. Gukesh Makes History, Becomes Youngest World Champion
**MUMBAI, INDIA** – D. Gukesh has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest-ever World Rapid Chess Champion at the tender age of 18. The Indian grandmaster defeated China’s Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in a thrilling final match, shattering the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who won the title at age 22 in 1985.
Gukesh’s victory was met with an outpouring of emotion. Videos of the visibly moved champion, overcome with tears after his triumph, have gone viral on social media. He played with black pieces and capitalized on a crucial mistake by Ding, the reigning world champion, in a match that was expected to go to a tiebreaker.
This win marks a significant milestone for Indian chess. Gukesh is only the second Indian Grandmaster, after Viswanathan Anand, to achieve the World Rapid Chess Championship title. His remarkable achievement has been lauded across India, with fans and well-wishers showering him with congratulations. The young champion’s emotional reaction underscored the magnitude of his historic feat.
First Piper 