Gukesh becomes 18th undisputed world chess champion at 18!

Ding collapses in the end(game)

Find below expert analyses by GM Daniel King and IM Robert Ris

In a stunning turn of events, Ding Liren blundered in a technical endgame during game 14 of the World Chess Championship in Singapore, handing victory to Gukesh Dommaraju. At just 18 years old, Gukesh becomes the youngest undisputed world chess champion in history, joining a prestigious list that includes legendary figures like Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen. Gukesh's triumph is a monumental moment for chess, marking the return of the title to India since Viswanathan Anand lost it to Carlsen in 2013.

This victory underscores India's meteoric rise as a chess powerhouse. The nation recently clinched the Chess Olympiad and now boasts 6 players (out of 30) rated above 2700. Reflecting on his achievement, Gukesh recalled being inspired by Anand and Carlsen during their 2013 match, a dream that drove his relentless pursuit of excellence:

I looked at Vishy Sir and Magnus [in 2013] and thought, it will be really cool to be there one day, and to actually be there and sit there and see the Indian flag next to me was probably the best moment.

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Gukesh revealed that while Anand was not officially part of his team, the former champion supported him throughout the match, including attending a training camp and providing remote assistance. Acknowledging Anand's enduring influence on Indian chess, Gukesh credited his parents, family and friends for making significant sacrifices, adding, "We both were crying" after his post-match call with his mother.

The new champion also disclosed his professional team, which included Polish grandmasters Grzegorz Gajewski, Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Jan Klimkowski, Indian GM Pentala Harikrishna, German star Vincent Keymer and South African mental coach Paddy Upton. Gukesh's rapport with Gajewski, nicknamed "Gaju" within the team, was particularly instrumental in his preparation.

Looking ahead, Gukesh is expected to defend his title in 2026, though the chess world eagerly wonders if Magnus Carlsen, who remains the world number one, will return to challenge for the crown. Gukesh expressed his hope for a future encounter, saying:

It would be the toughest challenge there is in chess. I would love to test myself against the best player in the world.

Ding Liren playing white against Gukesh Dommaraju, the new world chess champion | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

Ding Liren, the 17^th undisputed world champion, appeared heartbroken but reflective after the loss. He remarked:

I will continue to play. [...] Considering yesterday's lucky survive, it's a fair result to lose in the end. I have no regrets.

Gukesh, in turn, praised Ding's resilience, stating:

Ding Liren is the real inspiration to me. What I learned from Ding is what an incredible fighter he is. True champions fight until the very end.

The decisive game saw Ding playing with the white pieces, achieving a comfortable middlegame position. Opting for a pawn sacrifice to simplify into an endgame, the reigning champion appeared to be heading for a draw. However, the tide turned dramatically as Ding faltered in the technical phase.

The turning point came on move 55, when Ding's 55.Rf2 allowed Gukesh to force a winning pawn endgame. After 55...Rxf2 56.Kxf2 Bd5 57.Bxd5 Kxd5 58.Ke3 Ke5, Ding resigned, ending the match.

Gukesh's victory cements his place in history, while the chess world awaits what promises to be an extraordinary future for the young champion and further growth of chess in India.

Endgame Magic with Karsten Mueller and D Gukesh (from 2019!)

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The world champion's emotional reaction after winning the title | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

Gukesh D hugging his dad outside the playing hall | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

Ding 0 - 1 Gukesh

Analysis by Johannes Fischer

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Game over | Photo: FIDE / Eng Chin An

The final moments of the game

By ChessBase India

Expert analyses

Commentary by GM Daniel King

Commentary by IM Robert Ris

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Games

Schedule

Links

• Official website
• Two Knights Talk: Who will win the World Chess Championship match 2024?
• Ding Liren, the chess king from China who defies the odds
• Gukesh: From a school in Chennai to the world title match in Singapore
• Ding Liren is the new world chess champion! (2023)