India’s D Gukesh made history at the World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore, defeating defending champion Ding Liren to become the youngest ever world chess champion. Gukesh clinched the title with a decisive win in Game 14, securing 7.5 points to Ding’s 6.5. The victory earns him USD 1.3 million (approximately ₹11.03 crore) from the total prize pool of USD 2.5 million.
Controversy and Accusations:
Following the match, Russian Chess Federation chief Andrei Filatov accused Ding of deliberately losing the game, calling for an investigation by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Former world champions Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik also criticized the quality of the games throughout the 14-match series.
Ding’s Response:
Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren addressed the accusations and defended the quality of the games in an interview with ChessBase India.
- Effort and Strategy: “I tried my best in the match, using a significant amount of time in unfamiliar opening positions. While some moves were strong, others lacked clarity,” Ding explained.
- Game Quality: Ding highlighted the balanced time usage by both players and emphasized that even under time pressure, he made high-quality moves.
Gukesh’s Historic Win:
The final game appeared to be heading for a draw, but Gukesh capitalized on a critical error by Ding to secure the victory. At just 18 years old, Gukesh has etched his name in chess history, surpassing expectations and emerging as a formidable global champion.
Prize and Legacy:
With this win, Gukesh not only earns a significant financial reward but also cements his position as a leading figure in the chess world. His triumph underscores the growing prominence of Indian chess players on the global stage.
