India’s D. Gukesh has made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling final match of the 2024 World Chess Championship. The championship, held in Singapore, concluded on December 12, 2024, with Gukesh securing a final score of 7.5 to 6.5 after an intense series of games.
Overview of the Championship
The championship consisted of 14 games, with Gukesh and Ding entering the final game tied at 6.5 points each. The match saw a mix of victories and draws, with Gukesh winning three games and Ding winning two, while the rest ended in draws. The pivotal moment came during the last game, where both players were cautious, as a draw would have forced tiebreakers.
The Decisive Blunder
In the final game, which many anticipated would end in a draw, Ding Liren committed a critical blunder during a tense endgame. Under pressure and time constraints, he miscalculated his moves while attempting to maneuver his king and rooks. This mistake allowed Gukesh to simplify the position into a more favorable setup, capitalizing on Ding’s error to secure his victory. Observers noted that Ding’s position was solid before the blunder, making his mistake all the more surprising and significant in the context of such a high-stakes match.
Gukesh's Mental Resilience
Gukesh’s victory is not only a testament to his skill but also to his mental resilience. Throughout the championship, he demonstrated remarkable composure, especially in the final game where he maintained focus despite the pressure of potentially facing tiebreakers. By sticking to an endgame strategy that many believed would lead to a draw, he showcased his ability to capitalize on Ding’s misstep effectively.
With this victory, Gukesh has etched his name into chess history as the youngest undisputed world champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s previous record set in 1985. His triumph over Ding Liren not only highlights his exceptional talent but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess players worldwide. As Gukesh celebrated his monumental achievement, he expressed gratitude towards Ding for being a formidable opponent and acknowledged the intense competition throughout the championship.
We at Pro7 Wellness congratulate Gukesh on becoming the FIDE 2024 Chess Championship and making India proud.
