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India's chess prodigy, D Gukesh, has emerged as a global sensation after becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title. Inspired by the resilience of MS Dhoni and Novak Djokovic under pressure, Gukesh attributes his success to their unwavering mental fortitude.At just 17, Gukesh shattered Garry Kasparov's 40-year-old record by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto. This historic triumph grants him the opportunity to face reigning world champion Ding Liren of China later this year.Gukesh's admiration for Dhoni and Djokovic stems from their ability to perform at their peak under intense scrutiny. "They are big-game players who always come out on top and bring out their best when needed," he said. "That's why I'm attracted to them."While Dhoni led India to two World Cup victories and five IPL titles, Djokovic has amassed a record 24 Grand Slam titles. Gukesh also draws inspiration from Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world champion who recently forfeited his qualification spot for 2024."There are a lot of things you can learn from him," Gukesh said of Carlsen. "Not just chess, but also the mental attitude. He has one of the best mentalities in the world in any sport."Despite the inherent nervousness associated with chess, Gukesh believes that experience helps players manage their emotions. "We all get nervous, but with experience, we all learn how to deal with it," he said.Gukesh is eagerly anticipating his clash with Ding Liren and is confident in his preparations. The All India Chess Federation is exploring the possibility of hosting the world title contest in India.Kasparov, a legendary chess player, praised Gukesh's achievement, calling him "the Indian earthquake in Toronto." Gukesh expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, "Kasparov is one of my heroes, and to get a huge compliment from him means a lot."Beyond chess, Gukesh is an avid sports enthusiast, particularly enjoying tennis. "I like to play some sports, and generally, I am just in love with sports," he said.

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has etched his name in history as the youngest challenger to the world title after his triumph at the prestigious Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto. The 17-year-old is the first Indian since the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the tournament, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Gukesh's father, Dr. Rajinikanth, a surgeon by profession, made a bold decision to quit his practice to support his son's chess aspirations. This risky move, initially met with opposition from family, has now borne fruit. "It was a tense moment as the game was fluctuating," Rajinikanth recalled about the decisive tie. "We were not sure about the result and felt that he should better prepare for the tiebreaks next day."However, fate had a different plan. The organizer informed Rajinikanth that the match was over, much to their surprise. "There was a 15-minute delay in broadcast so we weren't aware of the situation," he added.Gukesh's victory has not only brought him international acclaim but has also inspired young chess players in Tamil Nadu. The legendary Viswanathan Anand, a role model for Gukesh, has played a significant role in fostering the chess culture in the state.Upon his return from Toronto, Gukesh received a rousing reception from fans at the Chennai airport. Hundreds of students from his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, lined up to greet the champion. "I feel very happy for this homecoming, this is a special achievement," Gukesh said. "I was in a good space since the beginning of the tournament, I had full confidence that I will emerge top in this tournament and luck was on my side as well."Gukesh's triumph is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. It is a moment of pride for India and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players around the world.

D Gukesh, the 17-year-old Indian chess prodigy, has emerged victorious in the Candidates Tournament, securing his spot in the World Championship later this year. Despite the intense pressure and emotional rollercoaster of the tournament, Gukesh maintained a remarkable composure and resilience.In a candid moment, Gukesh revealed that he had to leave the playing hall during the crucial game between Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi, as the stress became overwhelming. However, his trainer, Grzegorz Gajewski, praised Gukesh's ability to stay calm and collected under pressure, a trait that has been instrumental in his success.Gukesh's journey to the top has been marked by unwavering determination and a willingness to face setbacks head-on. His pursuit of becoming the world's youngest GM involved countless sacrifices and sleepless nights. Despite missing the record by a narrow margin, Gukesh learned valuable lessons about handling expectations and critical moments.The period of uncertainty surrounding his qualification for the Candidates last year tested Gukesh's resolve. However, he emerged stronger, with a renewed focus and determination. His long-time trainer, Vishnu Prasanna, played a crucial role in helping Gukesh overcome the mental challenges and prepare for the tournament.Gukesh's approach to chess is characterized by adaptability and resourcefulness. He has consciously limited his use of chess engines, allowing him to develop his intuition and problem-solving skills. This has enabled him to execute surprising moves and find creative solutions on the board.His maturity and pragmatism have also been evident in his play. Gukesh is no longer solely focused on winning but is willing to make strategic draws when necessary. This newfound flexibility has contributed to his success in the Candidates.World No.1 Magnus Carlsen, who initially underestimated Gukesh's chances, was impressed by his performance. He advised Gukesh to remain patient and wait for his opportunities, a strategy that proved effective.As Gukesh prepares to face reigning World Champion Ding Liren, he carries the hopes of India and the chess world. His remarkable journey and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to young players everywhere.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Makes History, Becomes Youngest Challenger to World Chess TitleIndian chess prodigy D Gukesh has etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title. The 17-year-old Grandmaster from Chennai scripted history on Monday by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto, Canada.Gukesh's triumph is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He played out an easy draw with American Hikaru Nakamura in the 14th and final round to finish with an impressive nine points out of a possible 14. This remarkable achievement has shattered the record previously held by legendary Russian Grandmaster Garry Kasparov for 40 years.Kasparov, who held the No.1 ranking from 1984 until his retirement in 2005, was bowled over by Gukesh's historic feat. He hailed it as an "Indian earthquake in Toronto" and a sign of the shifting power dynamics in world chess. Kasparov also credited former world no.1 Viswanathan Anand for Gukesh's success, saying, "The 'children' of Vishy Anand are on the loose!"Gukesh's victory is a major milestone for Indian chess. He is only the second Indian after Anand to win the prestigious Candidates Tournament. Anand's triumph came in 2014, when he was 44 years old.Gukesh's journey to the top has been marked by hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. He became a Grandmaster at the age of 12, making him the second-youngest Indian to achieve the title.Gukesh's victory has sent shockwaves through the chess world. He is now set to face Chinese champion Ding Liren in a match for the world title. The match is expected to be a thrilling battle between two of the most talented players in the game.

Viswanathan Anand's remarkable victory at the 2014 Candidates Tournament stands as a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination. After a crushing defeat to Magnus Carlsen in the 2013 World Championship, Anand faced doubts and skepticism about his ability to compete at the highest level.Despite his initial reluctance, Anand was persuaded by Vladimir Kramnik to participate in the Candidates. With minimal preparation, he entered the tournament as an underdog. However, Anand's detached mindset and low expectations proved to be his secret weapon.In the first round, he stunned tournament favorite Levon Aronian, setting the tone for his dominant performance. Anand remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing his victory with a round to spare. His triumph earned him a rematch against Carlsen, although he ultimately fell short in the World Championship.Anand's 2014 Candidates victory is widely regarded as one of his greatest achievements. It showcased his ability to overcome adversity and regain his peak form. His legacy continues to inspire Indian chess players, as evidenced by the recent success of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Humpy at the 2022 Candidates Tournament.

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history by becoming the first teenager to lead the Candidates Tournament with just one round remaining. The 17-year-old stands on the cusp of a remarkable achievement, potentially becoming the youngest player ever to qualify for the World Championship.Gukesh's journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In Round 13, he secured a crucial victory against Alireza Firouzja, while his co-leaders, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura, opted for a draw. Fabiano Caruana also closed the gap with a win against R Praggnanandhaa.Despite the pressure, Gukesh has remained composed and focused. "I'm just trying my best to stay calm," he said. "There are nerves, but I've been eager and excited from the first round."The final round promises to be a nail-biting affair, with Gukesh holding a half-point lead over Nakamura, Caruana, and Nepomniachtchi. A draw against Nakamura should suffice for Gukesh if Caruana and Nepomniachtchi also draw. However, if the latter game ends decisively, the tournament will extend into a tie-break.Gukesh's success is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has shown remarkable resilience in his first Candidates appearance, balancing aggression with caution.In the women's section, China's Tan Zhongyi has taken the sole lead with a full point advantage going into the final round. A draw should secure her a spot in the World Championship. India's R Vaishali has also impressed, winning her fourth consecutive game and moving into a tie for third place.The dominance of Chinese players in women's chess continues, with every world champion since 2017 hailing from China.

The Candidates' chess tournament in Toronto is nearing its climax, with just two rounds remaining. Indian prodigy D Gukesh, currently tied for the lead with 7.5 points, faces a crucial challenge against Firouza Alireza of France in the penultimate round. A victory for Gukesh would significantly boost his chances of securing a spot in the World Championship match.Alireza, who has been struggling in the tournament, will be a formidable opponent for Gukesh. However, the Indian Grandmaster has shown impressive form throughout the event and will be confident of overcoming this hurdle.The other key clash in the penultimate round will be between Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia and Hikaru Nakamura of the United States. Nepomniachtchi, the only undefeated player in the tournament, will be looking to maintain his momentum, while Nakamura has been in excellent form, winning three consecutive games.Fabiano Caruana of the United States is the only other player with a realistic chance of winning the event. With seven points, he faces a tough challenge against R Praggnanandhaa of India and Nepomniachtchi in the final round.Praggnanandhaa, who had shown early promise in the tournament, has struggled in recent rounds. However, the Indian prodigy remains a dangerous opponent and could still finish on the podium.Another Indian, Vidit Gujrathi, had a promising start but has since fallen behind. Nerves and time pressure have played a role in his setbacks, and he will need to perform better in the remaining rounds to secure a respectable finish.In the women's section, Zhongyi Tan of China holds a narrow lead with eight points. Her closest contender is compatriot Tingjie Lei, who is half a point behind. The two leaders are followed by Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno of Russia, along with Koneru Humpy of India, who are all tied on six points.R Vaishali of India is in sixth place with 5.5 points, while Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine and Nurgyul Salimovaa of Bulgaria are tied for seventh place with 4.5 points.

India's D Gukesh remains in contention for the World Championship challenger spot after Round 12 of the Candidates tournament, sharing the lead with Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura. With just two rounds remaining, the race for the coveted title is heating up.Gukesh, known for his aggressive style, employed a rare opening idea in the Nimzo-Indian against Nijat Abasov. The Azerbaijani was caught off guard and struggled to find logical moves. Gukesh's plan to unsettle his opponent and play for a win proved successful, as Abasov missed drawing chances in the endgame.Fabiano Caruana, who had a slow start to the tournament, has surged back into contention with a win over India's Vidit Gujrathi. Caruana's victory keeps him half a point behind the leaders.Nakamura, the American grandmaster, has also joined the leading trio after defeating Alireza Firouzja. Nakamura has won three consecutive games, putting him in a strong position to challenge for the World Championship.The only draw in the Open section came between Praggnanandhaa and Nepomniachtchi.In the Women's section, Kateryna Lagno and Lei Tingjie drew their match, while Vaishali Rameshbabu defeated Anna Muzychuk. Aleksandra Goryachkina and Koneru Humpy also played out a draw, while Nurgyul Salimova and Tan Zhongyi shared the point.With two rounds remaining, the tension is palpable as the players vie for the chance to challenge the reigning World Champion, Magnus Carlsen. Gukesh, Nepomniachtchi, and Nakamura are the frontrunners, but Caruana and Praggnanandhaa are still in the hunt.

Vidit Gujrathi's hopes of winning the Candidates Tournament took a severe blow as he squandered two winning chances against Ian Nepomniachtchi in Round 11. The Indian missed critical opportunities at moves 34 and 37, allowing the Russian to seize the initiative and eventually secure victory.Gujrathi's defeat was compounded by losses for fellow Indians R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh. Praggnanandhaa was surprised by Hikaru Nakamura's Krause variation in the Queen's Gambit, while Gukesh was unable to convert a slight advantage against Fabiano Caruana.Nakamura, who has now won three of his last four games, advised Gujrathi to play solidly and avoid taking unnecessary risks. "The way to play this tournament is to play good moves and not go crazy," he said.Despite the setbacks in the Open section, Indian women R Vaishali and Koneru Humpy brought some cheer with victories over Aleksandra Goryachkina and Nurgyul Salimova, respectively.Gujrathi's defeat leaves him trailing Nepomniachtchi by a full point with three rounds remaining. The Indian will need to regroup and find his winning form if he is to challenge for the top spot.