17-year-old Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has ignited excitement after his nail-biting draw with world number 3 Hikaru Nakamura in the final round of the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament. This result puts him in contention for a World Chess Championship showdown against China’s Ding Liren, a prospect that has the chess world buzzing.
Gukesh’s journey to this point has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Chennai-born talent has been captivating audiences for years, rising through the junior ranks with a string of victories. At the Candidates, he displayed nerves of steel and strategic brilliance, defeating higher-rated opponents and briefly claiming sole lead. His win against Alireza Firouzja in the penultimate round was a testament to his attacking prowess.
The final round against Nakamura was a tense affair. Gukesh needed a win to secure his spot against Ding Liren outright. However, the American grandmaster, known for his aggressive playing style, proved to be a formidable opponent. The game stretched on, showcasing both players’ tactical skills and defensive resilience. Ultimately, the tense battle ended in a draw, leaving the path to the World Championship throne hanging in the balance.
Gukesh’s fate now hinges on the outcome of the match between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana. If their game also ends in a draw, a complex tie-break system will determine the challenger for Ding Liren. Regardless of the final outcome, Gukesh’s performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has not only announced himself as a future force in chess but has also ignited a wave of passion for the game in his home country.
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