D Gukesh wins FIDE tournament
Seventeen-year-old Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh etched his name in the annals of chess history on Monday by clinching the championship title at the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024, held in Toronto. This remarkable feat makes him only the second Indian player to achieve this honor, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand.
In a gripping final round, Gukesh demonstrated his prowess by holding his nerve against tough competition, notably securing a draw against championship contender Hikaru Nakamura in Round 14, despite playing with the black pieces. This draw solidified his position at the top of the leaderboard and sealed his victory.
With this triumph, Gukesh has also earned the distinction of being the youngest player to advance to the World Championship final. His next challenge awaits against Ding Liren of China, where he will battle for the ultimate title.
Finishing the tournament with an impressive total of 9/14 points, Gukesh’s path to victory was not without its share of suspense. In a dramatic turn of events, his fate hung in the balance as Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi engaged in a grueling battle that extended to a remarkable 109 moves before culminating in a tie.
The final day of the tournament was marked by intense drama and uncertainty. Initially, it seemed that Gukesh’s destiny would be sealed in his favor when a crucial error by Caruana in move 41 offered Nepomniachtchi a chance for a draw. However, the momentum shifted once again as Nepomniachtchi returned the favor, allowing Caruana to regain the upper hand and leading the match to a tie.
Despite the nail-biting tension, Gukesh’s draw against Nakamura set the stage for a dramatic climax. The critical error in Caruana’s match against Nepomniachtchi injected a glimmer of hope into Gukesh’s historic quest. This pivotal mistake altered the course of the game significantly and presented an opportunity for a draw.
In the end, Gukesh’s unwavering determination and strategic acumen propelled him to victory, securing his rightful place in the pantheon of chess greatness. As he prepares to face his next challenge in the World Championship final, his remarkable journey continues to captivate and inspire chess enthusiasts worldwide.
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