Teenaged Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh shot into sole lead after defeating Firouzja Alireza of France in the 13th and penultimate round of the Candidates’ Chess tournament, in his quest for the extraordinary placing him on the cusp of becoming the youngest ever world championship contender.
If the 17-year-old from Chennai emerges victorious at the Candidates, he will take on China’s Ding Liren for the world champion’s crown.
And his achievements and efforts so far have surely not gone unnoticed, as Anant Mahindra himself took to social media to praise the youngster’s grit, and celebrate the new-age chess mastermind.
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In a post on X, Mahindra showered praise on the 18-year-old Grandmaster, stating that despite the result, Gukesh will be at the forefront of chess in India and will provide inspiration for a new generation of chess players to blossom in the country.
“In addition to his obvious technical skills, this young man @DGukesh
has coolness, composure & maturity beyond his years. A new Iceman,” wrote Mahindra.
In addition to his obvious technical skills, this young man @DGukesh has coolness, composure & maturity beyond his years.A new Iceman
Which is why—no matter whether he stays on top tomorrow or not—it’s clear he’s going to be a star for many years & will inspire new… pic.twitter.com/E1fPxbsyH5
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 21, 2024
“Which is why—no matter whether he stays on top tomorrow or not—it’s clear he’s going to be a star for many years & will inspire new generations of Indians to take up the game.”
Needing a win to go ahead after the other overnight leaders, Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi and American Hikaru Nakamura played out a quick draw, Gukesh was awarded for his perseverance as he capitalised on a late blunder by Alireza in a difficult situation.
Gukesh took his tally to 8.5 points out of a possible 13 to emerge a half point ahead of Nepomniachtchi, Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana of the United States.
Gukesh will next meet Nakamura who plays white in the last round game and Caurana will have the advantage of the favourable colour against Nepomniachtchi.
While anyone among the four players can win the event, the odds are hugely in favour of Gukesh as the pundits believe that a draw might just be enough to see him emerge as the youngest ever contender for the world championship match.
(with agency inputs)
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