INDIAN Grandmaster D Gukesh on Thursday became the youngest world chess champion at 18 years after beating title-holder Ding Liren of China in the 14th and last game of a roller-coaster showdown that went right down to the wire. Gukesh secured the requisite 7.5 points as against 6.5 of Liren after winning the last classical time control game of the 14-game match that seemed headed for a draw for most part. As title winner, he will get a major share of the USD 2.5 million prize purse. “I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realised the dream (and made it) into reality,” the soft-spoken Chennailad told reporters after the historic triumph here. “I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on,” he added.

 

The reticent teenager grinned widely and raised his arms in celebration after the triumph, a stark contrast from the poker face he usually sports while playing. Before Gukesh’s feat on Thursday, legendary Garry Kasparov of Russia was the youngest world champion when he won the title at the age of 22, dethroning Anatoly Karpov in 1985. Gukesh is the second Indian after the legendary ViswanathanAnandtowinthe globaltitle. Anand, a five-time worldchampion,hadlastheld the title in 2013 before going down to Magnus Carlsen. Gukesh had entered the match as the youngest ever challengerto the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. “Every chess player wants to live this dream. I am living my dream,” said Gukesh. “The dream of winning world chess championship is bigger for them than for me,” Gukesh credited his win to his parents’contribution.Gukesh, whowonthe14thgameagainst Liren after 58 moves in four hours, is the 18th world chess champion overall.