Indian chess Grandmaster D. Gukesh, fresh off his triumphant return from the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, has set his sights on the World Championship in November. The 18-year-old, who played a pivotal role in India’s historic gold medal win at the Olympiad, sees the World Championship as a separate challenge, a chance to showcase his individual prowess.
Gukesh’s performance at the Olympiad was nothing short of sensational. He dominated the top board, securing nine points out of ten games, including eight victories and just two draws, earning him an individual gold medal. This stellar performance reflects not only Gukesh’s individual skill but also the strength and unity of the Indian team.
“I took the Olympiad as an individual event, focusing on performing well in this specific tournament,” Gukesh told reporters upon arriving in Chennai. “I am very happy with my performance and the team’s performance.”
The World Championship, however, presents a different kind of challenge. Gukesh will face off against the reigning champion, Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren, in a thrilling showdown for the coveted title. The tournament, scheduled for November 20 to December 15 in Singapore, carries a hefty prize fund of USD 2.50 million.
Gukesh, who became the youngest world championship challenger at the age of 17 after winning the Candidates tournament in April, is ready to take on the challenge head-on. “The form heading into the World Championship is quite good, and I am very happy. There are still a couple of months left, and I will work harder and be fully ready,” he said.
A victory for Gukesh would be a monumental achievement, making him the first Indian since the legendary Viswanathan Anand to claim the world championship title. Anand, a five-time world champion, will undoubtedly be watching with keen interest as his successor aims to etch his name in the annals of chess history.
