Gukesh (yes, that’s exactly what he wants to be called) could hardly believe it. On the board in the final and decisive game of the World Chess Championship in Singapore The pieces were clearly drawn. But then the defending champion made a mistake Ding Liren difficult. He moved his white rook to F2, allowing Gukesh to force the exchange of all remaining rooks and bishops and put his king in the optimal position. Two black pawns stood against a white one from Ding – and the Chinese gave up in the hopeless position.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh is now the youngest world champion in chess history. The Indian was overwhelmed by his emotions and let the tears flow freely.
“I almost didn’t see it,” Gukesh said at the post-match press conference. “When I realized that, it was probably the best moment of my life. Belonging to this circle is something I’ve been dreaming about for ten years. I want to thank God, without him it wouldn’t have happened. I would also like to thank many people around me “But I have to prepare a speech first, otherwise I’ll say something thoughtless.”
Ding responded calmly. He only realized from Gukesh’s reaction that he had made a mistake: “I don’t regret anything, I played my best tournament this year.”