Indian teenager D Gukesh (17) has become the youngest player ever to challenge for the World Chess Championship title. He clinched victory in the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024, defeating seasoned competitors with his impressive play and composure.
"Congratulations to Gukesh for this historic achievement," said former World Champion Viswanathan Anand. "The chess community is incredibly proud. I was particularly impressed by his handling of pressure in critical situations."
Gukesh follows in the footsteps of Anand, the only other Indian to win the Candidates (2014). In a thrilling final round, Gukesh drew his match with Hikaru Nakamura using black pieces, securing his overall tournament victory.
The chess community went into a frenzy as it hailed India's D Gukesh as a potential "future world champion".
Gukesh had become the third youngest player in history to earn the Grandmaster title at the age of 12 and English grandmaster David Howell said he knew the prodigiously talented player would go on to do great things from the moment he played his first match against the Indian.
"Congrats to Gukesh on winning the Candidates!! What a tournament I knew he was special ever since our first game. He was just 12 years old (but already a GM! ) While analysing, both his mature attitude and his calculation skills impressed me hugely. Future world champ?" Howell wrote.
Former world champion and Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik of Russia congratulated Gukesh for his astounding performance.
"What an evening Congratulations to Gukesh and special award for both Fabi, Ian for their incredible performance today. One of the most interesting games I ever saw. Bravo, REAL FIGHTERS, for giving it all. Most important, more than anything in chess in fact Full respect," Kramnik wrote.
With the win, Gukesh bettered the legendary Garry Kasparov's 40 year-old record. The Russian great was 22 when he qualified in 1984 to clash with compatriot Anatoly Karpov.
The Chennai-based teen will take on reigning world champion, China's Ding Liren, for the crown later this year.
Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy, who finished second in the women's section, said "Congratulations to @DGukesh for becoming the youngest challenger!!"
Another Indian Grandmaster Tania Sachdev said Gukesh's win shows that "furture is here."
"GUKESH WINS THE CANDIDATES!! The future is here. It's today. 22.04.2024 a date to remember It's going to be Ding Liren vs Gukesh, World Chess Championship 2024" Sachdev tweeted.
Dronacharya award-winning coach Ramachandran Ramesh lauded the Indian's inspiring run at the tournament.
"Hearty Congratulations to young @Gukesh for convincingly winning the Candidates. Inspiring performance! Whole India is proud of you!" Ramesh tweeted.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani chess grandmaster Teimour Radjabov was left spellbound by the teenager's achievement.
"@DGukesh congratulations, stunning! At any age, but at 17 years old… it is just WOW!" he wrote.
