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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.

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.

In the realm of Indian chess, the age of 17 has emerged as a pivotal milestone, marking a transition from adolescence to adulthood. It is an age where young prodigies are often dismissed as lacking the experience and maturity to compete with the elite. However, two exceptional talents, R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh, have shattered these stereotypes, proving that age is no barrier to greatness.Praggnanandhaa, now 18, made headlines in 2023 when he reached the final of the World Cup, defeating a string of world-class players along the way. Gukesh, still 17, is currently tied for first place in the prestigious Candidates tournament in Toronto, with just two rounds remaining. Should he emerge victorious, he will have the opportunity to challenge for the world championship.Gukesh's performance in the Candidates has been nothing short of remarkable. He has displayed a level of composure, focus, and resilience that belies his age. Even after a heartbreaking loss that threatened to derail his tournament chances, he rebounded with a decisive win in the next game.This resilience is not new to Gukesh. At the age of 15, he suffered a devastating loss in the final round of the Reykjavik Open, missing a tactic that cost him the tournament victory. However, he quickly recovered, defeating Praggnanandhaa in a rematch a week later and going on to win three more tournaments in Spain without losing a single game.Gukesh's success can be attributed to his unwavering dedication to chess. Unlike many young players who are pushed into the game by ambitious parents, Gukesh's passion for the game was self-driven. He chose to prioritize chess over academics, a decision that was supported by his parents despite its unconventional nature.Going into the Candidates, Gukesh's chances were not widely touted. History has shown that young talents often struggle under the intense pressure of high-stakes competition. However, Gukesh has proven to be an exception. He has stuck to his game plan, remaining calm and patient, and has shown a maturity that belies his years.Gukesh's performance has not only impressed the chess world but has also challenged the perception of young players as lacking in experience and maturity. He has shown that age is no barrier to greatness and that with dedication, focus, and resilience, anything is possible.

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.

In the eighth round of the Candidates chess tournament in Toronto, India's D Gukesh regained his joint lead with Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia after a decisive victory over compatriot Vidit Gujrathi. Gukesh's triumph came on a day when R Praggnanandhaa drew with Firouza Alireza of France, while Hikaru Nakamura defeated Fabiano Caruana in an all-American duel.Gukesh's victory was a testament to his tactical prowess. He surprised Gujrathi with a rare variation in the opening, forcing his opponent into a long thought process that cost him valuable time. Gukesh seized control of the only open file and used his queen and rook to penetrate Gujrathi's defenses. Despite Gujrathi's resistance, Gukesh's pressure proved too much, and he eventually checkmated his opponent in 38 moves.Praggnanandhaa, on the other hand, was unable to make significant progress with his white pieces against Alireza. The Indian opted for a variation in the Sicilian Taimanov that Alireza equalized without much difficulty. The players reached an equal endgame after the Queens were traded, and the draw was agreed upon ten moves later.Nakamura continued his dominance over Caruana, defeating the world number two in just 35 moves. Nakamura took his chances in the closed Ruy Lopez and capitalized on Caruana's unwarranted complications in the middle game. Caruana's time shortage also played a role in his downfall, as he missed a tactic in a difficult position.In the Women's section, Koneru Humpy scored a crucial victory over compatriot R Vaishali to move up to 3.5 points. Humpy's technical prowess proved superior to Vaishali's in an exchange down endgame, as her pair of rooks eventually outmaneuvered Vaishali's Bishop and Rook.The ninth round promises an exciting clash between Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa in the men's section, while Gujrathi faces the in-form Nakamura. The tournament remains wide open, with six rounds still to play.

In the ongoing Candidates Tournament, D Gukesh has regained a share of the lead after a comfortable victory over fellow Indian Vidit Gujrathi in Round 8. The second half of the double round-robin tournament commenced with reversed colors, and Gukesh capitalized on Vidit's time management struggles.Vidit's early time pressure, coupled with Gukesh's strategic pawn moves, led to a gradual loss of control over the a-file. Vidit's unnecessary pawn push on b5 and subsequent d4 advance proved detrimental, allowing Gukesh to dominate the open file with his rook and queen. Gukesh's precise play left Vidit with no counterplay, forcing him to resign.With this win, Gukesh joins Ian Nepomniachtchi at the top of the standings with five points. Despite the pressure, Gukesh remains composed, stating, "I've learnt to handle it. So far, I've handled it well."Hikaru Nakamura also made a significant move in the standings, defeating Fabiano Caruana to leapfrog ahead of his compatriot. Caruana, who entered the tournament as a favorite, has shown signs of vulnerability, and his blunder against Nakamura proved costly.Nakamura, who has now won four consecutive classical games against Caruana, attributes his success to his lack of pressure. "I feel no pressure in the Candidates. I'm playing for fun," he said. "I'm not saying I wouldn't be happy if I won. I'm just trying to play good chess and not make a fool of myself."

Chess, a game of strategy and endurance, can be a brutal affair. In the ongoing Candidates Tournament, a grueling battle for the right to challenge the World Champion, young Indian prodigy D Gukesh has emerged as a formidable force.In Round 5, Gukesh faced Nijat Abasov, the lowest-ranked player in the Open category. After a tense six-hour marathon, Gukesh emerged victorious, showcasing his remarkable composure and resourcefulness.Early on, Abasov equalized comfortably with Black. However, as the game progressed, Gukesh's chances with White grew. Despite facing a time scramble, he managed to unearth a winning endgame.With Black's King vulnerable and a pawn down, Gukesh threatened checkmate. In a queen endgame, Abasov had only one move to avoid defeat: pushing his Queen to g2. However, exhausted after six hours of play, he mistakenly moved his Queen to f1 instead.This fatal error allowed Gukesh to trade Queens and secure a decisive advantage. Abasov's six-hour battle was in vain, as he resigned in defeat.Gukesh's victory not only propelled him into the tournament lead but also into the world's top 10 in live ratings. His mentor, Viswanathan Anand, praised his execution, calling it "a dramatic finish."Meanwhile, fellow Indian R Praggnanandhaa had a disappointing day. Despite sacrificing two pawns and a piece against Ian Nepomniachtchi, he failed to capitalize on his advantage and settled for a draw.The Round 5 results set the stage for exciting matchups in Round 6. Gukesh will face Hikaru Nakamura, while Praggnanandhaa will take on Abasov.