Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history as the youngest-ever world chess champion, defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in a dramatic final match on Thursday.
At just 18 years old, Dommaraju surpasses the previous record set by Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who claimed the title at age 22 in 1985. A prodigy from Chennai, known as India’s chess capital, Dommaraju achieved grandmaster status at the age of 12, becoming the third-youngest to do so in history.
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Entering the FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore as an underdog, Dommaraju faced fierce competition in the 14-game series, which had captivated chess fans globally. Leading into Thursday’s deciding match, the players were tied with eight draws and two wins each. The final game saw Dommaraju clinch victory with a score of 7.5 to 6.5, earning him the title as the 18th world chess champion.
Playing with the black pieces, Dommaraju capitalized on a critical blunder by Ding during the 55th move, when the defending champion misplaced his rook, leaving it vulnerable. Realizing his error, Ding visibly slumped over the table, marking the end of a tightly contested game.
Ding, who became China’s first chess world champion in 2023, had faced scrutiny over his form this year. He took a break from chess citing struggles with depression and mental health but showed flashes of brilliance earlier in the championship, including a stylish win in the opening game and another victory in Round 12. Despite this, the mounting pressure seemed to take its toll in the final moments.
Dommaraju’s journey to the top is remarkable. Born in Chennai to a surgeon father and a medical professor mother, he was introduced to chess in after-school sessions simply to keep him occupied. Coaches quickly recognized his extraordinary talent, encouraging his family to support his training.
In 2019, at just 12 years and seven months, Dommaraju was crowned a grandmaster. His success has been attributed not only to his skill but also to his ability to handle pressure, which he credits to yoga and mindfulness practices.
On Thursday, he maintained his composure even as the defending champion faltered, cementing his place in history as the youngest world chess champion and one of the sport’s brightest stars.
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