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By Michael D. Carroll
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Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion after defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in the final match of their series held in Singapore.
Dommaraju, 18, clinched the world chess championship by scoring 7.5 points against 6.5 from his opponent, Liren. This landmark victory cements Dommaraju's place as a rising star in the global chess arena.
His victory comfortably breaks the record for the youngest world chess champion previously held by Russia's Garry Kasparov, who won the title at age 22.
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The championship match, held over 14 rounds of classical longtime format, featured a prize fund of $2.5 million.
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How Did Dommaraju React to His Historic Win?
After his triumphant victory, Dommaraju burst into tears, raising his arms in celebration.
"I was dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realized the dream and made it into reality," he told reporters, reflecting on his remarkable achievement.
A chess prodigy, Gukesh became a grand master at just 12 years old and has been hailed as a talent to follow in the chess world. Earlier this year, he became the youngest challenger to the world crown after his victory in the prestigious Candidates tournament.
Dommaraju has become the second Indian to claim the world chess championship, following in the footsteps of five-time champion Viswanathan Anand.
"It's a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India … and for me, a very personal moment of pride," Anand, who has mentored Dommaraju, shared in a post on X, celebrating the teenager's historic achievement.
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How Did India React to Dommaraju's Win?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dommaraju on his "remarkable accomplishment," praising it as "the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination."
"His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence," Modi wrote in a post on X.
Who Won Last Year's World Championship?
Ding Liren, China's reigning chess champion, made history in 2023 by becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Chess Championship.
Known for his strategic depth and composure under pressure, Ding claimed the title in a dramatic tiebreak match against Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi.
His victory solidified China's growing prominence in the global chess arena.
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Who Was the Previous Youngest Ever Chess Champion?
Kasparov, a Russian chess legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history. Holding the World Chess Championship title from 1985 to 2000, Kasparov dominated the chess world with his aggressive, innovative play.
Beyond the board, he has become an outspoken political activist, opposing authoritarian regimes, particularly in Russia. Kasparov's influence extends globally, inspiring generations of players and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of chess.
Do Men and Women Compete Against Each Other in Chess?
Men and women currently compete in separate chess tournaments.
A decision last year by the International Chess Federation to bar transgender women from participating in women-only chess tournaments drew widespread criticism and reignited debates over the necessity of gender divisions in chess.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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