Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious at the 2024 Norway Open, claiming his sixth title after defeating Fabiano Caruana in a tiebreaker armageddon game. R Praggnanandhaa held out against Hikaru Nakamura in a tense classical format, but it wasn’t enough to elevate his position in the standings. Ju Wenjun made history in the Women’s competition, becoming the champion after defeating Lei Tingjie in a classical game.
Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren, the reigning World Chess Champion, will defend his title against India’s rising star D Gukesh later this year. Gukesh’s surprise victory in the Candidates Chess tournament has generated excitement in India, a country witnessing a surge in interest in chess. The World Championship match may take place in Singapore or India, with both Delhi and Chennai expressing interest in hosting. Liren prefers Singapore, while Gukesh would have the home-field advantage in India. Liren acknowledges Gukesh’s rapid ascent and sees him as a formidable opponent. India has produced numerous young chess prodigies, including R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, and R Vaishali.
Indian prodigy D Gukesh has earned the right to challenge Ding Liren for the World Championship title after winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto. The 18-year-old Gukesh is the youngest champion in the tournament’s history. Liren, 31, became the champion in 2023 after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi. With Delhi, Chennai, and Singapore in contention to host the match, Liren is expected to face stiff competition from Gukesh.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen defeated R Praggnanandhaa in the Armageddon tiebreaker of their eighth-round game at the Norway Chess tournament. The victory extended Carlsen’s lead in the tournament to a full point with two rounds remaining. Carlsen was unable to overcome Praggnanandhaa’s solid play in the classical game and could only manage a draw. However, in the Armageddon game, Carlsen’s experience and guile proved too much for his younger opponent. Elsewhere in the tournament, Hikaru Nakamura and Alireza Firouzja played out a thrilling draw in the classical game, with Firouzja ultimately winning the blitz showdown. World Champion Ding Liren suffered a setback, losing to Fabiano Caruana in the Armageddon game after squandering two winning positions. In the Women’s Norway Chess competition, world champion Wenjun Ju secured an impressive victory over Pia Cramling, solidifying her lead in the standings.
In the heart of Liat Towers, the four-storey Hermès flagship store has unveiled an enchanting chess game in its storefront window. Titled ‘Checkmate at the Faubourg’, this vibrant installation draws inspiration from the maison’s theme for 2024: The Spirit of the Faubourg. Acclaimed artist Matthieu Cossé has transformed iconic architectural elements of Hermès’s global flagship in Paris into whimsical chess pieces, bringing the Faubourg to life. The balusters of the building become pawns, while the rooftop artificer assumes the role of a bishop. Cossé’s artistic vision has resulted in a whimsical masterpiece that transports viewers into a realm of fantasy and creativity.
The Gariahat intersection in Kolkata, a hub for chess enthusiasts, is a microcosm of the city’s uncertain political mood ahead of the 2024 general elections. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity, voters express wariness towards the BJP due to its leadership comprising former members of the ruling Trinamool Congress. While Mr. Modi is expected to secure a third term, the outcome in West Bengal remains unclear, as people hesitate to support the BJP despite their dissatisfaction with the Trinamool’s leadership.
Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh showcased resilience and skill, bouncing back from an initial setback to secure victories against compatriots R. Praggnanandhaa and Vincent Keymer of Germany. Notably, Gukesh held World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen to a draw in the sixth round of the Superbet rapid and blitz tournament in Warsaw. Praggnanandhaa also impressed with a strong performance, including wins over Anish Giri of the Netherlands and Keymer. Meanwhile, Carlsen and Wei Yi of China lead the standings with eight points each, followed by Praggnanandhaa and Shevchenko with seven points. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi share fifth place with six points, while Keymer sits in ninth place with four points.
Despite recent setbacks, reigning World champion Ding Liren of China is determined to return to form in preparation for his upcoming match against 17-year-old FIDE Candidates winner D. Gukesh. Gukesh, while acknowledging Ding’s strength, expressed confidence in his own abilities, stating, “I think I’m ready for the challenge.”
Indian chess grandmaster D Gukesh has etched his name in history as the youngest-ever Chess Candidates champion. At just 17 years of age, he has earned the right to challenge reigning world champion Ding Liren of China for the coveted title in 2024. Gukesh’s remarkable achievement brings him one step closer to his childhood dream of becoming the youngest world champion in chess. Upon his triumphant return to India, Gukesh attributed his success to the guidance and mentorship of former world champion Viswanathan Anand.
Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh has emerged victorious in the 2024 FIDE Candidates tournament, securing the right to challenge reigning world champion Ding Liren for the coveted title. The 17-year-old’s sensational triumph marks a significant milestone in Indian chess history, establishing him as the youngest player to accomplish this feat. Gukesh’s rise to the top has been a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and the transformative impact of accessible live broadcasts that have fueled a surge in chess enthusiasm across the nation.
