Gukesh Breaks Records as Youngest-Ever Contender for World Chess Championship

Seventeen-year-old chess prodigy Gukesh from Chennai made history by securing a draw against Hikaru Nakamura in the final round of the prestigious Candidates chess tournament, thereby earning a spot in the World Chess Championship. Gukesh’s remarkable achievement marks him as the youngest contender ever for the title of the World Chess Championship. In a thrilling turn of events, Gukesh’s fate hung in the balance as Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana battled fiercely, ultimately ending their match in a draw after 109 moves. Despite moments of uncertainty, Gukesh’s perseverance paid off, propelling him towards a showdown with Ding Liren in the upcoming World Chess Championship.

Additionally, in other matches of the day, Praggnanandhaa secured victory against Nijat Abasov, while Vidit Gujrathi settled for a draw against Alireza in a brief encounter. In the women’s section, Vaishali Rameshbabu clinched her fifth consecutive win by defeating Kateryna Lagno, and Humpy Koneru emerged victorious against Lei Tingjie. Tan Zhongyi emerged as the victor in the women’s Candidates event, earning the opportunity to challenge compatriot Ju Wenjun in the Women’s World Championship. Gukesh’s journey to the World Chess Championship was contingent on the Nepo-Caruana match ending in a draw, setting the stage for an intense tiebreaker tomorrow if either player had secured a victory. Gukesh’s pursuit of victory exemplifies his determination to etch his name in chess history as the youngest player to compete in the prestigious World Chess Championship.