Fri Dec 13 18:03:15 UTC 2024: ## Indian Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju Crowned Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion

**Singapore, December 12, 2024** – Eighteen-year-old Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has made history, becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling 14-game match. The victory, secured in the final game played in Singapore, sent shockwaves of jubilation across India, a nation more typically associated with cricket.

Gukesh, hailing from Chennai, the “chess capital” of India, began playing at the age of seven. By twelve, he had achieved the coveted Grandmaster title, becoming the third-youngest in history and the youngest from India. His talent was evident early on, as he expressed his ambition to become world champion in a 2019 interview.

The championship match was a nail-biter. While Ding took an early lead, Gukesh fought back, tying the score multiple times. A crucial blunder by Ding in the 14th and final game allowed Gukesh to seize victory, prompting an emotional reaction from the young champion. Ding, though disappointed, graciously conceded, praising Gukesh’s performance.

Gukesh’s win surpasses the previous record held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who became world champion at age 22. He qualified for the championship by winning the men’s Candidates Tournament in April, becoming the youngest ever to achieve this feat.

The victory has garnered widespread praise, with congratulatory messages pouring in from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, former world champion Viswanathan Anand, and even international figures like Google CEO Sundar Pichai. The Indian cricket community also celebrated Gukesh’s achievement, with accolades from the Chennai Super Kings and legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

Gukesh’s triumph marks not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Indian chess, highlighting the nation’s burgeoning talent and the legacy of chess greats like Anand. The young champion’s story is one of dedication, skill, and the pursuit of a dream, inspiring a generation of aspiring chess players in India and beyond.

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