Grandmaster D. Gukesh throughout his Round 14 match in opposition to Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura of USA on the FIDE Candidates 2024 chess match, in Toronto.
| Photo Credit: PTI
People from all walks of life, together with the chess neighborhood, went right into a frenzy as they hailed India’s D. Gukesh as a possible “future world champion” after he etched his title in the historical past books by successful the celebrated Candidates match in Toronto.
Gukesh drew with American Hikaru Nakamura in the ultimate spherical to not solely win the celebrated match but in addition grow to be the youngest ever challenger to the world title at 17.
Five-time world champion and the one different Indian to win the Candidates, the legendary Viswanathan Anand was one of many first individuals to congratulate {the teenager}.
“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 wrote on ‘X’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi additionally hailed Gukesh’s inspirational win.
“India is exceptionally proud of @DGukesh on becoming the youngest-ever player to win the #FIDECandidates! Gukesh’s remarkable achievement at the Candidates in Toronto showcases his extraordinary talent and dedication. His outstanding performance and journey to the top inspires millions,” Modi wrote.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar additionally congratulated Gukesh for his stupendous feat.
“What a triumph, @DGukesh! The youngest ever to win the FIDE Candidates—at only 17! Your journey from here leads to the World Championship, and we’ll be with you at every move. Go make history! #FIDECandidates,” Tendulkar tweeted.
Gukesh had grow to be the third youngest participant in historical past to earn the Grandmaster title on the age of 12 and English grandmaster David Howell mentioned he knew the prodigiously gifted participant would go on to do nice issues from the second he performed his first match in opposition to the Indian.
“Congrats to Gukesh on winning the Candidates!! What a tournament I knew he was special ever since our first game. He was just 12 years old (but already a GM! ) While analysing, both his mature attitude and his calculation skills impressed me hugely. Future world champ?” Howell wrote.
Former world champion and Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik of Russia congratulated Gukesh for his astounding efficiency.
“What an evening Congratulations to Gukesh and special award for both Fabi, Ian for their incredible performance today. One of the most interesting games I ever saw. Bravo, REAL FIGHTERS, for giving it all. Most important, more than anything in chess in fact Full respect,” Kramnik wrote.
With the win, Gukesh bettered the legendary Garry Kasparov’s 40 year-old file. The Russian nice was 22 when he certified in 1984 to conflict with compatriot Anatoly Karpov.
The Chennai-based teen will tackle reigning world champion, China’s Ding Liren, for the crown later this yr.
Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy, who completed second in the ladies’s part, mentioned “Congratulations to @DGukesh for becoming the youngest challenger!!” Another Indian Grandmaster Tania Sachdev mentioned Gukesh’s win reveals that “furture is here.” “GUKESH WINS THE CANDIDATES!! The future is here. It’s today. 22.04.2024 a date to remember It’s going to be Ding Liren vs Gukesh, World Chess Championship 2024” Sachdev tweeted.
Dronacharya award-winning coach Ramachandran Ramesh lauded the Indian’s inspiring run on the match.
“Hearty Congratulations to young @Gukesh for convincingly winning the Candidates. Inspiring performance! Whole India is proud of you!” Ramesh tweeted.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani chess grandmaster Teimour Radjabov was left spellbound by {the teenager}’s achievement.
“@DGukesh congratulations, stunning! At any age, but at 17 years old… it is just WOW!” he wrote.
Industrialist Anand Mahindra predicted a protracted and shining future for Gukesh.
“The ICEMAN prevails!! He comes from a swelteringly hot state, but he’s shown he can keep his cool even when competitive heat is at its peak. Just 17 years old, @DGukesh has a long and shining future ahead of him. And so does Indian Chess. An entire nation stands and Cheers this Chaturanga Champ,” Mahindra wrote.