In an emotional and humble reflection on his incredible achievement, 18-year-old D Gukesh shared his thoughts after becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, dethroning reigning champion Ding Liren in a dramatic final game.
Moment of triumph
IMAGE: D Gukesh is the new World Chess Champion. Photographs: Kind Courtesy Chin An/FIDE
“The game was heading for a draw, but then Ding made a blunder on the 55th move,” Gukesh recounted. “I got a bit emotional because I wasn’t expecting to win. But then I saw an opportunity and pressed on.”
Gratitude and respect for Ding
Gukesh, known for his sportsmanship, was quick to acknowledge Ding’s legacy. “To me, Ding is a real world champion. I’m sorry for Ding and his team. I would like to sincerely thank my opponent for a great match.”
“He (Liren) is the real inspiration to me. What I learned for Ding is what an incredible fighter he is – true champions fight until the very end.”
Decade-long dream realised
“I am just living my dream,” said newly-crowned world chess champion D Gukesh on Thursday after realising the goal he conceived as a seven-year-old, his unassuming persona shining through even after a history-scripting performance that made him the youngest ever to achieve the triumph.
“I was dreaming this moment for last 10 years. Happy I realised this dream,” Gukesh said after his incredible victory.
“I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on.”
“I’ve been dreaming about this and living this moment since I was 6 or 7. Every chess player wants to live this moment. I’m living my dream. I’d like to thank God from candidates till the championship.”
Gratitude towards parents
In a heartfelt nod to his family, Gukesh credited his parents for their unwavering support. “The dream of winning the World Chess Championship is bigger for them than it is for me. Their sacrifices and encouragement made this possible.”
Asked what transpired between him and his mother during the phone call to Chennai after the historic triumph, Gukesh said, “We both were crying.”
Staying grounded
Despite the world title, Gukesh sought to keep his feet on the ground, and said Carlsen is currently the best player in the world and he would to play against the Norwegian world number one.
“My goal is to play in the top level for longest time possible. I have just started my career and I want to have a long career and stay on top.”
“Winning World Chess Championship does not mean I am the best player, obviously that is Magnus Carlsen. I want to reach the level Magnus has achieved.”
“Obviously playing against Magnus in the world championship would be amazing, it would be the toughest challenge there is in chess. It is up to Magnus, but I would love to test myself against the best player in the world.”
Vishy Anand’s calm presence
His dream to be among the best in the world ignited when he watched the world championship match between his idol Viswanathan Anand and another chess great Magnus Carlsen of Norway in 2013 in Chennai.
“In 2013 when I saw Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Sir in the World Championship match, I thought it will be super cool to be inside the Glass room one day, to actually be there and sit there and see the Indian flag next to me would probably be the best moment.”
“When Magnus won, I thought I really want to be the one to bring back the title to India.”
“I had said in 2017 that I wanted to be the youngest world champion in history.”
Gukesh became only the second Indian to clinch the title after five-time champion Anand, who played a pivotal role in shaping Gukesh’s career at his chess academy in Chennai. Gukesh revealed that it was Anand who calmed him down after his loss to Liren in the opening game.
“I came here and suddenly I lost the first game itself. Luckily while going back, I met Vishy Sir (Anand) in the lift and he said ‘I had only 11 games left you have 13 more, you will get your chances’,” said Gukesh.
Anand was citing his 2006 victory over Veselin Topalov in a World Championship that he had eventually won after losing the first game.
Interestingly enough, Anand had won that match in the last Classical (12th) game and also with black pieces.
“Vishy Sir was never officially part of the team, but we all know that he was supporting me. He attended one of the training camps, but also helped remotely for a few sessions.”
