Indian youngster Goksh Dommaraju has made new history by reaching the World Chess Championship. Now the 18-year-old ‘Friends’ fan has now become the strongest contender to win the title and make more history.
If Goksh defeats reigning champion Ding Liren of China from November 25 in Singapore, he will become the youngest player to win an undisputed world crown.
Most pundits and players believe that Goksh will win against the 32-year-old Ding Liren, who has not won a match in the classical format since January.
But Goksh, an unassuming bearded young man, doesn’t give a damn about these prophecies.
“I don’t believe in predictions and favorites,” he told reporters ahead of the title match, which has a total prize money of $250 million.
‘I’m just focusing on my process and trying to give my best every day and have a good game.
‘I just want to enjoy the experience.’
Goksh became India’s youngest grandmaster at the age of 12 years, seven months and 17 days and is one of the youngest grandmasters in chess history.
Even Magnus Carlsen, the most famous player of the present era and five-time world champion, was older than him.
If Goksh defeats Ding in the 14-match series, he will surpass the legendary Garry Kasparov, who became the world champion in 1985 at the age of 22.
Goksh is often seen as shy and cautious in public.
He did not attend the Bermuda Party while representing India at this year’s Chess Olympiad, a decades-old tradition where contestants party in nightclubs in the host city.
But when India won two gold medals, Goksh, in contrast to his serious persona, posted a video in which he was seen happily dancing to a popular Tamil song in traditional attire.
This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).
Although he spends most of his time training for chess, Goksh recently admitted that he is a fan of the popular TV sitcom ‘Friends’.
During competition they often wear a tilak (white ash mark) on the forehead along with the suit in deference to their Hindu faith.
In 2022, Goksh defeated American number one Fabiano Caruana at the Chess Olympiad, and later that year he also defeated Carlson.
He reached the World Championship in April by becoming the youngest winner of the famous Candy Dates tournament.
Indian chess legend and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand played a mentor role in Goksh’s journey and named the young man as his successor.
Four-year-old Anand told broadcaster NDTV that Goksh is a very balanced thinking boy.
‘I feel very, very proud that he has achieved this fantastic achievement. In a way, I think I’ve passed the torch to him.’
‘An experienced player’
Born to a doctor father and a microbiologist mother, Goksh started playing chess at the age of seven.
His father Rajinikanth took him to watch a world championship match between Anand and Carlson in Chennai in November 2013.
The World Championships in Singapore have been likened by some to the classic Cold War contest between American Babe Fisher and Soviet great Boris Spassky in 1972.
Relations between nuclear-armed neighbors China and India are often strained.
Ding has admitted to being impressed by his young rival’s maturity.
‘He plays like an experienced player despite his young age,’ said Ding, who suffered depression after becoming world champion last year and was sidelined for nine months.
Carlson described the young Indian as ‘a major favourite’ and said that ‘if he strikes first, he will win the match without any difficulty.’
However, he said, ‘The longer the match goes without a decisive game, the better it will be for Ding Li Ren because he has the ability but lacks confidence.’
#Gokesh #Indian #youngster #verge #making #history #world #chess
What steps has Gukesh taken in his chess career to reach the World Chess Championship at such a young age?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show! Today we have a very special guest, a young man who is making waves in the world of chess. Gukesh Dommaraju, welcome!
**Gukesh:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Gukesh, at just 18 years old, you’re on the brink of making history. You’ve reached the World Chess Championship, and if you win, you’ll become the youngest ever to hold the title. How are you feeling amidst all this excitement?
**Gukesh:** I’m trying to stay focused on my game. It’s a big opportunity, and I’m grateful for it. I don’t believe in predictions or favorites. I’m just focusing on my process, giving my best every day, and enjoying the experience. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gukesh_Dommaraju)]
**Interviewer:** Many see you as a favorite to win against reigning champion Ding Liren. You’ve already achieved so much at such a young age, becoming India’s youngest grandmaster at 12. Do you feel the pressure of expectations?
**Gukesh:** I try not to let pressure get to me. Chess is a game I love, and I approach it with passion and dedication. I’m fortunate to have the support of my family and coaches. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gukesh_Dommaraju)]
**Interviewer:** You’ve describedyourself as “shy” in the past, even declining to attend the traditional post-Olympiad celebrations. But we saw you celebrating India’s victory in style with a fun dance video!
**Gukesh:** (laughs) I enjoy my quiet time, but I also like to let loose and celebrate with my team.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned “Friends” as one of your favorite shows. Do you find time for any leisure activities besides chess?
**Gukesh:** Chess takes up a lot of my time, but I do enjoy watching movies and TV shows when I have a break.
**Interviewer:** Well, Gukesh, regardless of the outcome of the Championship, you’ve already inspired millions. You’re a role model for aspiring young chess players around the world. Best of luck in your match against Ding Liren!
**Gukesh:** Thank you. I appreciate the support.
