Indian teenager becomes youngest world chess champion

Indian teenager Gukesh Domraju became the youngest world chess champion by defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in a dramatic twist on Thursday.

Dommaraju, at 18, is four years younger than Russian Grandmaster Garry Kasparov when he won the title in 1985 at the age of 22.

This talented player from Chennai has been a superstar in the chess world for a long time, having achieved the status of Chess Grandmaster at the age of 12.

But this year he was seen as a challenger in the final of the FIDE World Chess Championship match held in Singapore.

Game commentators observed that Domraju, playing black, won the game after Ding made a rare mistake under pressure.

The 18-year-old won the title with a final score of 7.5–6.5 – ending a fortnight where the pair’s play was closely watched by chess fans around the world.

Since winning the 2023 title, Ding has faced pressure regarding his form throughout the year.

The Chinese player had not won a long-format “classical” game since January and was seen avoiding other top-level competitions.

But he played a strong opening game and showed a hint of momentum by winning the second-last match against Dommaraju.

Till the final game on Thursday, both players had two wins each and eight draws.

After hours of tight play, Ding moved his rook to a very vulnerable position on the 55th move, giving Dommaraju an opportunity to take advantage.

Ding immediately realized his mistake and collapsed on the table.

Chess.com wrote in its post-game summary, “It looked like Ding had a risk-free chance to try for the win, but instead it ended in a pawn-down endgame.” “It should have been pulled, but Ding made a mistake as the pressure increased.”

It was the final game from there. Ding resigned after three steps.

Domraju immediately started crying and the room echoed with the cheering of the audience.

“I probably got so emotional because I didn’t really expect to win that position,” he reportedly said.

At the age of 18, he is only the second Indian player to become World Chess Champion after five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first public figures to praise.

“Historical and exemplary!” “Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable achievement. It is the result of his unique talent, hard work and unwavering determination,” he wrote on X.

The FIDE World Chess Championship has prize money of $2.5m (£1.96m).