Chess Prodigy Gukesh Crowned Youngest Ever Candidates Winner, Set To Vie For World Title

In a groundbreaking achievement, 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh has etched his name in the annals of chess history, securing victory in the prestigious Candidates tournament. With this triumph, Gukesh emerges as the youngest man ever to claim this coveted title, setting the stage for a monumental clash against reigning world champion Ding Liren of China later this year.

Youthful Brilliance Shines
Gukesh's path to victory was nothing short of remarkable. Accumulating an impressive nine out of a possible 14 points, he demonstrated unparalleled skill and composure, echoing the feats of chess legend Viswanathan Anand, who remains the only other Indian to clinch victory in the Candidates tournament.

In his final-round encounter against American chess maestro Hikaru Nakamura, Gukesh exhibited unwavering determination, securing a crucial draw and leaving no doubt about his readiness for the grand stage.

Masterful Strategy
Throughout the tournament, Gukesh showcased his strategic prowess, particularly evident in his adept handling of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted against Nakamura. Seizing an early advantage, Gukesh navigated the complexities of the endgame with precision, ultimately emerging victorious and asserting his dominance in the field.

A Record-Breaking Triumph
Surpassing the achievements of even the greatest chess prodigies, Gukesh shattered records previously held by luminaries such as Garry Kasparov. His remarkable feat at the tender age of 17 not only cements his status as a rising star in the chess world but also places him on the precipice of history, with the opportunity to become the youngest world champion in the forthcoming showdown against Ding Liren.

Gukesh surpassed Kasparov's achievement by a significant margin, given that the Russian chess legend was 22 years old when he qualified in 1984 for his iconic clash with compatriot Anatoly Karpov. Alongside this historic victory, Gukesh also claimed a cash prize amounting to 88,500 Euros (approximately Rs 78.5 lakh), underscoring the magnitude of his accomplishment amidst a highly competitive field. The total prize fund for the Candidates tournament stood at 500,000 Euros.

"So relieved and so happy. I was following this crazy game (between Fabio Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi), and then I went for a walk with my second (Gregorz Gazevsky), I think that helped," expressed Gukesh, reflecting on his emotions after clinching victory.

Nail-Biting Finale
The culmination of the Candidates tournament witnessed a thrilling showdown between American Fabiano Caruana and Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi. With both players vying for victory, the tension was palpable as Caruana's clock management ultimately proved decisive. Despite enduring several twists and turns, including a critical blunder, Caruana's relentless pursuit of victory ultimately culminated in a drawn endgame, leaving the tournament standings unchanged.

A Bright Future Beckons
As the dust settles on the Candidates tournament, Gukesh's triumph reverberates throughout the chess community, inspiring a new generation of aspiring players. With his sights set on the ultimate prize – the World Chess Championship – Gukesh embodies the spirit of youthful ambition and relentless determination, poised to leave an indelible mark on the hallowed halls of chess history.