Indian chess player becomes world's youngest chess champion

In the 14-game final, 18-year-old Gukesh and defending champion Ding finished the final game level. The players had to play a rapid series to decide the outcome. Gukesh unexpectedly won an important point after a mistake by Ding. The Indian teenager won the match with a final score of 7.5-6.5.

The victory was confirmed, Gukesh burst into tears and hugged his father as he walked out. Meanwhile, Ding held his head in confusion.

"I was completely shocked when I realized I had made a mistake," said Ding. Last year, Ding became the first men's world chess champion from China when he defeated Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi in Kazakhstan.

Indian chess player becomes youngest chess champion in history.

Videos on social media showed fans in India wildly celebrating Gukesh's victory. Gukesh became the 18th world chess champion and the country's second world champion after Viswanathan Anand.

Gukesh admitted he did not initially notice Ding's mistake, but when he realised his Chinese opponent had made a crucial error, he said "it was probably the best moment of my life".

At 18, he is four years younger than the legendary Garry Kasparov when the Russian won his first world championship in 1985.

“My journey, since I started playing chess at the age of six and a half, seven, I have been dreaming of this moment for over 10 years. I am grateful to all those who have been with me throughout this journey,” Gukesh added in his press conference.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Gukesh on X: “History and example! Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable achievement. This is a result of talent, hard work and unwavering determination. This victory will not only etch his name in the annals of chess history but will also inspire millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. I wish him all the best for the future."

Phuong Anh (Source: CNN, The Guardian)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/ky-thu-an-do-thanh-nha-vo-dich-co-vua-tre-nhat-the-gioi-ar913353.html