(Image source from: Twitter.com/FIDE_chess)

D Gukesh: Youngest-Ever Contender At World Chess Championship:- In Toronto, a significant moment in history occurred on Monday as D Gukesh claimed victory in the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024, making him the champion. At just 17 years old, he follows in the footsteps of the renowned Viswanathan Anand as the second Indian player to achieve this honor. Gukesh's triumph also marks him as the youngest competitor to reach the final of the World Championship, where he will face off against China's Ding Liren. Employing the black pieces, Gukesh skillfully secured a draw against his opponent Hikaru Nakamura, ultimately securing his win. With a total of 9/14 points, Gukesh secured the first-place position. The tension was palpable throughout the day, as the outcome hung in the balance. A pivotal moment occurred when Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi engaged in a grueling 109-move battle, resulting in a tie. This turn of events solidified Gukesh's victory, despite the brief period where it seemed Caruana's mistake would lead to a draw with Nepomniachtchi. However, fate intervened, and the tables turned, leading to a tie in the Nepo vs. Caruana match.

During the FIDE Candidates' tournament, Hikaru Nakamura's match took an unexpected turn, providing a glimmer of hope for Gukesh's historic quest. A critical mistake made by Fabiano Caruana in his game against lan Nepomniachtchi altered the game's course and opened up an opportunity for a draw. Gukesh, hailing from Chennai, has achieved numerous milestones in his short career. At the age of 12 years, seven months, and 17 days, he became India's youngest grandmaster. After 26 years, he surpassed Anand to become India's top-ranked player. Gukesh's training primarily focused on playing with a coach rather than relying on chess engines. This approach, according to Viswanathan Anand, is a minority but beneficial one. Anand believes that players should concentrate on their playing skills, while trainers can provide valuable insights after utilizing chess engines. Chess has been Gukesh's lifelong passion, and nothing has stood in his way of pursuing this board game.