How D Gukesh secured India’s historic triumph | At Toronto
Introduction
In a historic achievement for Indian chess, D Gukesh, a 17-year-old grandmaster, emerged as the youngest winner of the Candidates Chess Tournament held in Toronto, Canada. Gukesh’s remarkable performance not only secured his place as the youngest challenger ever to the world title but also solidified his position as one of India’s brightest chess talents. This article will delve into the journey of Gukesh, from his humble beginnings to his triumph at the Candidates tournament.
The Rise of a Chess Prodigy
Early Life and Beginnings
D Gukesh was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to a Telugu-speaking family from the Godavari delta region of Andhra Pradesh. His father, Dr. Rajnikanth, is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, while his mother, Padma, is a microbiologist. Gukesh’s tryst with chess began at the age of seven, when he discovered his passion for the game. He started honing his skills at the Velammal Vidyalaya School in Chennai, where he currently studies.
Rapid Progress and International Success
Gukesh’s prodigious talent quickly became evident as he made rapid progress in the world of chess. In 2018, at the age of 12 years, seven months, and 17 days, he achieved the title of International Master, narrowly missing Sergey Karjakin’s record as the youngest Grandmaster in history by just 17 days. Nevertheless, he became the third-youngest Grandmaster at the time.
The young prodigy continued to leave his mark on the chess world, winning several prestigious tournaments. In 2021, he secured victory in the U-9 category of the Asian School Chess Championships, followed by a triumph at the World Youth Chess Championships in 2018 in the U-12 section. Additionally, he clinched five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships.
“The young guys are headed in the correct direction. None of them, in my opinion, are prepared. wish to soon hold the top spot in the entire globe. However, there are many of players that will never be that way. He said, “I don’t want to give these kids advice or anything,” and then disclosed that Gukesh had approached him earlier in the year to ask for advice at the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge chess tournament in Germany.
“He inquired as to what he ought to do at the Candidates. “I don’t have any advice,” I remarked. I’m not sure. All I told him was that other people would go wild, so he should wait for his opportunity and not lose his mind.
Toppling the Titans
Gukesh’s ascent in the chess world continued, and in September 2022, he became the third-youngest player to cross the 2700 rating mark, joining the ranks of chess prodigies Wei Yi and Alireza Firouzja. The following month, he achieved a milestone by defeating the legendary Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world champion, in the Aimchess Rapid tournament. This victory made him the youngest player to defeat Carlsen since the Norwegian became World Champion. Gukesh’s rating continued to climb, and in August 2023, he surpassed Viswanathan Anand to become the top-ranked Indian Grandmaster.
The Historic Triumph at the Candidates Tournament
The Road to Victory
The FIDE Candidates Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in chess, determining the challenger for the World Chess Championship. Gukesh’s participation in the 2024 edition of the tournament marked a significant milestone in his career. Despite being the third-youngest player in the tournament’s history, he defied expectations and showcased his exceptional skills.
With a total of nine points out of a possible 14, Gukesh emerged as the victor of the Candidates Tournament. In the final round, he faced off against American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura and secured a draw, which proved enough for him to clinch the title. This triumph made him the youngest winner in the history of the Candidates Tournament.
Joining the Elite Club
Gukesh’s victory at the Candidates Tournament not only solidified his place as a rising star but also earned him the opportunity to challenge the reigning world champion, Ding Liren of China, for the World Chess Championship. In doing so, he became only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to qualify for a World Championship final in the classical format.
The Journey Ahead
The World Chess Championship, the pinnacle of chess competition, awaits Gukesh as he prepares to face Ding Liren. If successful, Gukesh will become the youngest world champion in history, surpassing the records set by Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov. The dates and venue for the championship are yet to be finalized, but the anticipation surrounding this historic clash is palpable.
Conclusion
D Gukesh’s triumph at the Candidates Chess Tournament has etched his name in the annals of chess history and brought immense pride to India. His journey from a young prodigy with humble beginnings to the youngest winner of the Candidates Tournament is a testament to his exceptional skill and determination. As he prepares to challenge Ding Liren for the World Chess Championship, the world eagerly awaits the outcome of this monumental clash. Gukesh’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess players and a reminder of the immense talent that India possesses in the realm of chess.
