India's Gukesh Dommaraju crowned world champion of chess, the youngest ever
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Indian Teen Becomes the World's Youngest Chess Champion
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Above: Gukesh Dommaraju celebrates with the World Chess Championship 2024 trophy during an award ceremony in Singapore on Dec. 13, 2024. Image copyright: SIMON LIM/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
India's Gukesh Dommaraju has become the world's youngest chess champion even as his opponent, China's Ding Liren, was accused of deliberately losing the match with one of the worst blunders in the championship's 138-year history.
The 18-year-old beat Ding 7.5-6.5, breaking Garry Kasparov's 1985 record of winning the championship at 22. The International Chess Federation said most of the game had "near-perfect accuracy" and was expected to end in a draw.
The Spin
Narrative A
Gukesh has shattered records by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever in a meteoric rise that defies chess tradition. The Chennai prodigy's extraordinary journey epitomizes raw talent, unwavering determination, and the audacity of youth — transforming a childhood dream into a historic triumph that will echo through generations.
Narrative B
While celebrating Gukesh's historic victory, profound concerns remain over the championship's quality — as shown by this controversial ending. There is a visible and troubling decline in grandmaster standards, where a world title seemingly hinges more on chance and momentary lapses than the sublime strategic brilliance that once defined this noble game. Congratulations go to Gukesh, but the game must do better the next time.
