Gukesh wins world chess title

Toronto (Team Newsbuddy):  Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has won the world chess title by scoring nine points out of 14 after playing a crucial draw against American chess player Hikaru Nakamura in the Candidates Chess Tournament.

With this win, Gukesh has become the youngest challenger for the world title, breaking the record of the great Garry Kasparov 40 years ago. He also became the youngest player to win the Candidates Chess Tournament.

17-year-old Gukesh played an easy draw with American Hikaru Nakamura in the 14th and final round and finished the tournament with nine points out of 14.

In the decisive final round, Gukesh showed his readiness for the grand stage by holding Nakamura to a draw with black pieces. Despite Nakamura’s efforts in the Queen’s Gambit Accepted, Gukesh maintained control, eventually winning.

After winning the title, Gukesh said, I am feeling very relieved and very happy. I was following this fun game (Fabio Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi) and then I went for a walk with my second (Gregorz Gajewski). I think that helped.

With this title, Gukesh was given a cash prize of 88,500 euros (about Rs 78.5 lakh). The total prize money of the Candidates Tournament is five lakh euros.

Gukesh is the second Indian to win this prestigious tournament. Earlier in the year 2014, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand won this title.