FIDE World Chess Championship: Here's How Teen Prodigy Gukesh Prevailed Over His Chinese Arch-Rival Ding Liren

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday, becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. He defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a gripping 14-game series held in Singapore.

Gukesh clinched the title in the final game with a masterful win using the black pieces, taking advantage of a critical error by Ding in an otherwise solid position. The match ended with a scoreline of 7.5-6.5 in favour of the Indian teenager.

Photo Credit: PTI

At 18, Gukesh surpasses Garry Kasparov as the youngest World Champion. Kasparov had held the record since 1985 when he won the title at the age of 22 by defeating Anatoly Karpov.

The decisive 14th game saw Ding falter under immense pressure, handing Gukesh a historic victory.

Summary of the Match:

Game 1: Ding took an early lead with a commanding victory, exploiting Gukesh's inexperience under pressure to go 1-0 up in the series.

Game 2: Gukesh responded with a solid draw, opening his account and keeping Ding's lead to 1.5-0.5.

Game 3: Gukesh levelled the match at 1.5-1.5 with his first win, showcasing superior preparation as Ding struggled with passive play.

Game 4: A risk-free draw left the score at 2-2, as both players appeared cautious.

Game 5: Another draw followed, keeping the series evenly balanced at 2.5-2.5.

Game 6: Gukesh demonstrated resilience, securing yet another draw with black pieces to maintain parity at 3-3.

Game 7: After over five hours, the marathon seventh game ended in a draw, leaving the players tied at 3.5-3.5.

Game 8: A strategic stalemate resulted in a fifth consecutive draw, with the scores locked at 4-4.

Game 9: Both players continued to hold their ground, finishing with a draw at 4.5-4.5.
Game 10: The tenth game also ended in a draw, keeping the scores level at 5-5.

Game 11: Gukesh seized a critical 6-5 lead with a decisive win, capitalising on a major blunder by Ding on his 28th move.

Game 12: Ding fought back to level the match at 6-6 with a well-earned victory, setting up a nail-biting finale.

Game 13: A tense 68-move draw ensured the match would be decided in the final game.

Game 14: Gukesh emerged victorious in the dramatic final, exploiting Ding's mistake to secure the championship with a scoreline of 7.5-6.5.

Gukesh's extraordinary achievement cements his place in history as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey in the sport.