Sat Dec 14 00:44:50 UTC 2024: ## Indian Teen Gukesh Crowned Youngest-Ever Undisputed Chess Champion, Ushering in “New Era”

**BENGALURU, INDIA** – Eighteen-year-old Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history, becoming the youngest-ever undisputed world chess champion. His victory over Ding Liren has been hailed as a pivotal moment in the sport, sparking excitement and speculation about the future of chess.

Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, speaking on the Take Take Take app, described Gukesh’s win as “a pivotal moment and potentially the start of something very interesting.” Carlsen, who relinquished his title in 2022, emphasized the emotional impact of Gukesh’s triumph, contrasting it with his own less fervent pursuit of the championship. He praised Gukesh’s incredible journey, from almost missing the Candidates Tournament to securing victory in Chennai and ultimately claiming the world title. While acknowledging some inconsistencies in Gukesh’s play, Carlsen ultimately deemed him a deserving champion. He added that while it’s too early to label Gukesh among the greatest, his win is incredibly motivating and could propel him to the top of the rankings in the coming years.

Former world champion Garry Kasparov, whose own record Gukesh surpassed, offered his congratulations, noting Gukesh’s impressive performance despite his age. While Kasparov previously expressed reservations about the legitimacy of the championship due to Carlsen’s absence, he ultimately acknowledged Gukesh’s well-deserved victory and the significance of India’s dominance in the sport, describing it as “the era of ‘Vishy’s children’.” Fellow former champion Vladimir Kramnik, while calling the match’s conclusion “the end of chess as we know it,” also praised Gukesh’s skill.

Gukesh’s win marks a significant moment for Indian chess, building on the country’s recent success at the Chess Olympiad. His remarkable ascent to the top of the chess world promises an exciting new chapter for the game.

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