Chess Candidates Tournament: 17-year-old Prodigy Gukesh made history as a World Championship challenger

Indian chess sensation D. Gukesh made a record by becoming the youngest entrant ever to win a major Chess Candidates Tournament 2024. The 17-year-old from Chennai created this record in Toronto, Canada, securing his place as the challenger for the World Chess Championship.

Also Read: Chess Candidates Tournament 2024 Round 1 Updates: All Five Indians Ended in Draws

Gukesh’s adventure to the top was not an easy one. While he was drawing his final ball sport against American Hikaru Nakamura, the second seed, his fate rested on the final results of another in form that took place at the same time. Top-seeded American Fabiano Caruana faced the winner of the final candidates’ tournaments, Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi. Only if that extra time resulted in a draw could Gukesh become the champion.

And that’s exactly what happened! A tie in the Caruana-Nepomniachtchi game pushed Gukesh to the top of the leaderboard with 9 points, ahead of Nakamura, Nepomniachtchi and Caruana, who all finished with 8.5 points. This win makes Gukesh the second Indian handiest participant, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to qualify for the world title match.

Gukesh’s success showcased his remarkable skill and will in the game. He has been proving his chess prowess for years and is rising in the rankings with excellent performances in various tournaments. This historic victory at the Candidates Tournament is the fruition of his hard work and strategic brilliance.

In the upcoming World Championship, Gukesh will face the reigning champion Ding Liren of China. This clash of titans guarantees an interesting spectacle, showcasing the pinnacle of chess mastery. While Gukesh may be the youngest challenger, his expertise and composure on the board make him a strong contender for the Pro Champion.

Now, Gukesh’s victory not only brought great pleasure to India but also inspired younger chess lovers. His story demonstrates that age is simply a number when it comes to achieving greatness.

The excitement surrounding Gukesh’s success goes beyond the chessboard. He became a national hero and caught the eye of millions of people in India. His journey serves as a powerful message, encouraging children to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

The chess world is now eagerly awaiting the World Championship match where Gukesh will try to win the final crown. Whether he came out victorious or not, his historic victory at the Candidates Tournament has already secured his place among chess greats.