The chess world was shaken when 18-year-old D Gukesh Dommaraju made history by defeating reigning champion Ding Liren to claim the World Chess Championship title. Gukesh’s triumph in Game 14 not only earned him the title of youngest chess world champion in history but also sparked controversy with former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik’s scathing remarks. Kramnik’s reaction, calling it the “End of chess as we know it,” has added fuel to an already electrifying championship.
A Historic Moment for Chess
Gukesh Dommaraju’s journey to the World Chess Championship has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 18 years old, Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion, breaking the record held by Garry Kasparov since 1985. Kasparov had won the title at 22, defeating Anatoly Karpov in a legendary match. Gukesh’s win cements his name among the chess greats and adds a new chapter to the storied list of chess world champions.
The Decisive Game
The championship concluded dramatically with Game 14. Playing with the black pieces, Gukesh managed to exploit a blunder by Ding Liren in a seemingly comfortable position. The endgame stretched into the fifth hour, with Ding’s mistake costing him the game, the match, and the title. Gukesh’s final score of 7.5-6.5 marked his victory in the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024.
Vladimir Kramnik’s Criticism
Vladimir Kramnik, a former world chess champion known for his sharp insights and strong opinions, did not hold back his criticism of the championship. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kramnik wrote, “No comment. Sad. End of chess as we know it.”
Kramnik’s remarks didn’t stop there. He criticized the overall quality of play in earlier games, particularly Game 6, calling it “disappointing” and “weak.” Kramnik lamented the lack of creativity and “human concepts” in the championship, stating, “If I want to enjoy chess as just a game of calculation, I would rather watch a world championship of chess engines.”
The former champion also called Ding’s blunder “childish,” adding, “Never yet [has a] WC title been decided by a childish one-move blunder.” His harsh critique has sparked debates within the chess community about the state of modern chess and the expectations of a world championship.
A New Era in Chess
Despite Kramnik’s criticism, Gukesh’s win is being celebrated as a monumental achievement, particularly in India, where chess has been gaining immense popularity. Following in the footsteps of Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh has further solidified India’s place on the global chess stage. With his victory, Gukesh joins the elite ranks of Indian chess players like Vidit Gujrathi and other rising stars.
The Role of Paddy Upton
Adding an intriguing dimension to Gukesh’s story is the role of Paddy Upton, a renowned performance coach who has worked with cricket teams and individual athletes. Upton’s involvement with Gukesh is seen as a key factor in helping the young champion maintain his composure during high-pressure moments, such as Game 14 of the World Chess Championship.
The Legacy of Magnus Carlsen and Future Challenges
Gukesh’s victory comes at a time when the chess world is transitioning from the Magnus Carlsen era. Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, chose not to defend his title in the 2024 championship. This opened the door for players like Gukesh and Ding Liren to compete for the crown.
As the youngest chess world champion, Gukesh now faces the daunting task of defending his title against the world’s best players. With critics like Kramnik scrutinizing every move, Gukesh will need to prove that his victory was no fluke and that he belongs among the greatest chess world champions.
What This Means for Chess
The 2024 World Chess Championship has reignited discussions about the evolution of chess, the impact of technology, and the role of human creativity in the game. While Kramnik’s comments have sparked controversy, they also highlight the changing dynamics of modern chess. Gukesh’s triumph represents the rise of a new generation of players who blend traditional skills with modern techniques.
Conclusion
D Gukesh’s victory over Ding Liren in the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 is a landmark moment in chess history. At 18, Gukesh has not only become the youngest chess world champion but also reignited debates about the future of the game. Whether one agrees with Vladimir Kramnik’s critique or not, there is no denying that Gukesh’s achievement marks the beginning of a new era in chess.
The chess world will now eagerly watch how this young prodigy navigates the challenges ahead, carrying the hopes and expectations of millions of fans worldwide. For now, Gukesh Dommaraju stands as the undisputed chess champion, and his name is etched alongside the legends of the game.
