Sat Dec 14 02:22:43 UTC 2024: ## 18-Year-Old Gukesh Becomes Youngest Chess World Champion

**Singapore** – Dommaraju Gukesh has made history, becoming the youngest-ever chess world champion at the age of 18. The Indian prodigy defeated China’s Ding Liren in a grueling three-week match, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record.

Gukesh’s victory is the culmination of years of dedicated training and unwavering focus. A viral video from when he was 11 shows him declaring his ambition to become the youngest world champion – a dream he has relentlessly pursued. His coach, Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, described Gukesh as possessing an “obsession” for the game and an unparalleled drive from a young age.

Throughout the championship, Gukesh displayed remarkable composure and mental fortitude. He remained largely detached from social media, focusing solely on the competition. His calm demeanor, even when facing setbacks, contrasted with Ding Liren’s apparent unease, who seemed to prioritize draws over aggressive wins in several games.

Experts, including Grandmaster Susan Polgar, have praised Gukesh’s unique approach and predicted even greater success in the future. Polgar noted his “intangibles” and exceptional game strategy. While acknowledging his youth, she believes he hasn’t yet reached his full potential.

Gukesh’s win adds another significant achievement to his already impressive career. He’s India’s youngest grandmaster and the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates tournament. This latest victory solidifies his place as a chess legend in the making, breaking a long-standing record within a lineage of world champions dating back to 1886. The world now waits to see what heights this young champion will reach next.

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