Even before the candidates, I knew Gukesh was capable of winning it.
GM Vishy Anand, five-time world chess champion
Gukesh won the match by a king move and he is now the king of the world championship.
GM Magnus Carlsen, five-time world chess champion
GM D Gukesh created history in Singapore when he became the youngest world chess champion in the 138-year history of world chess championships, going back to the first championship match between Wilhelm Steinitz and Johannes Zuckertort in 1886 in New York. At 18 years of age, Gukesh beat GM Ding Liren of China by 7.5-6.5 in game 14 that was the last round. Gukesh broke the age record by GM Garry Kasparov when, at the age of 22, Garry beat GM Anatoly Carpov in 1985.
The championship started on a low note for Gukesh when he lost the first game. Part of it could be attributed to the immense pressure of playing in his first-ever World Championship. He came back strongly to win the third game to level the score. What followed was a long series of draws, with many missed chances. One can only imagine the tremendous pressure of playing game after game, giving your best, trying to secure a win.
Gukesh got his breakthrough in game 11, taking a lead but Ding came back strongly in the next game to level the score. Gukesh was trying hard to win with white pieces in game 13 but it ended in a draw. In the last game, Ding would have been happy with a draw that would be followed by tiebreakes where he had a clear advantage. It looked as if that was what going to happen until Ding played 55.♖f2 that was a fatal mistake. (The eval bar went crazy, from -0.1 to -360!)
I saw that this bishop is actually getting trapped and after ♔e1, I have ♚e5 in the pawn ending which is just winning. When I realized that it was probably the best moment of my life.
GM D Gukesh, 2024 world chess champion
It is difficult to imagine the tremendous pressures under which these top players perform. Ding has not been at his best for quite some time, still he fought like a champion, especially the way he came back in game 12 after losing game 11. Gukesh seemed to be well prepared and managed to surprise Ding quite a few times which led Ding to have long thinks, resulting in time pressures. Gukesh showed great temperament under pressure that contributed hugely in his win.
The Bright future of Indian chess
The explosion of chess talent in India continues to astonish the world. When Vishy Anand became the first Indian grandmaster and later brought the world championship to India, this paved the way for the sport to become popular.
It is fantastic to see the way Indians embrace the chess culture, starting with Vishy Anand, now all the juniors who are rising through the ranks.
GM Hikaru Nakamura, five-time US chess champion
The future of Indian chess has never been brighter. Just last month Anish Sarkar made a new world record when he became the youngest player to get a FIDE rating of 1555 at the age of 3.5 years. The main problem that young Anish is facing is not about openings or end game, but that he has to stand on his chair to reach the end of the board. 🙂
Anish is an epitome of the young India that is super talented and hungry for success.
Many congratulations to Gukesh for winning the world championship. His achievement will go a long way towards a bright future for chess in India.
Quote by GM Vishy Anand is from the FIDE interview. Quote by GM Gukesh is from the FIDE press conference. Quotes by GM Magnus Carlsen and GM Hikaru Nakamura are from an episode of the YouTube channel Take Take Take.
