TORONTO, Canada. Gukesh Dommaraju, affectionately known as Gukesh D, has etched his name in chess history by clinching victory in the men’s Candidates Tournament in Toronto, Canada, at the tender age of 17. This triumph propels the young grandmaster into the spotlight as he prepares to take on reigning world champion Ding Liren of China in the upcoming 2024 World Chess Championship.
Gukesh’s remarkable achievement sets the stage for a potential record-breaking moment as he aims to surpass Garry Kasparov’s longstanding record of becoming the youngest world champion at the age of 22. His victory was sealed with a composed draw against world number 3 Hikaru Nakamura, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Reflecting on his historic win, Gukesh remarked in a press conference, “I was completely emotional but after the game I’m feeling quite good. I don’t really care about [being] the youngest and all these records, but it’s a nice thing to say.”
The talented teenager’s success has ignited a wave of celebration in India, where he is hailed as the latest addition to the nation’s impressive roster of chess prodigies. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to laud Gukesh’s “remarkable achievement” and commend his “extraordinary talent and dedication.”
Gukesh’s journey to the pinnacle of chess excellence exemplifies India’s rich legacy in the game, with legends like Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand paving the way. Anand himself expressed pride in Gukesh’s accomplishments, writing, “I’m personally very proud of how (Gukesh) played and handled tough situations. Enjoy the moment.”
The upcoming World Chess Championship clash between Gukesh and Ding Liren promises to be a historic encounter, with the date and location yet to be disclosed. Ding, who claimed the world title in 2023, faces a formidable challenge from the young Indian prodigy as he seeks to defend his championship crown.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding Gukesh’s ascent to the pinnacle of chess, India’s burgeoning chess scene continues to thrive with talents like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, fondly known as “Pragg.” His victory over Magnus Carlsen in 2022 made headlines globally, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from the Indian chess community.
As the chess world eagerly awaits the showdown between Gukesh and Ding, the stage is set for a battle of intellect, strategy, and sheer determination, with both players poised to leave an indelible mark on the annals of chess history.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
