India's 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh scripted history by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament to become the youngest ever challenger to the world title, bettering a record created by the legendary Garry Kasparov 40 years ago.
Gukesh played out an easy draw with American Hikaru Nakamura in the 14th and final round to finish with nine out of a possible 14 points in the tournament that is held to decide the challenger to the world champion.
The triumph entitles Gukesh a clash against reigning world champion Ding Liren of China in the last quarter of the year.
"So relieved and so happy. I was following this crazy game (between Fabio Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi), and then I went for a walk with my second (Gregorz Gazevsky), I think that helped," Gukesh said after winning.
Gukesh also won a cash award of 88,500 Euros (approx Rs 785,00,000). The total prize fund of the Candidates was 5,00,000 Euros. He became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the prestigious tournament. Five-time world champion Anand's triumph came in 2014.
"Congratulations to @DGukesh for becoming the youngest challenger. The @WacaChess family is so proud of what you have done. I'm personally very proud of how you played and handled tough situations. Enjoy the moment," Anand posted on 'X' to congratulate the youngster, who like him, also hails from Chennai.
Needing at least a draw, Gukesh gave nothing away to Nakamura, a clear signal that the teenager is ready for the big stage and is going to be the next biggest star in the chess world.
