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.
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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.’
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What techniques does Gukesh Dommaraju use to stay grounded and focused during high-pressure matches?
## Young Prodigy Aims for Chess Crown
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of chess with our guest, a legend in the making. Gukesh Dommaraju, at just 18 years old, has reached the World Chess Championship and is poised to make history. Gukesh, thanks for joining us.
**Gukesh:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** You’ve already accomplished so much, from becoming India’s youngest grandmaster to defeating giants like Fabiano Caruana and Magnus Carlsen. Now you’re facing Ding Liren for the world title. How are you feeling leading up to this massive match?
**Gukesh:** I’m focusing on my game, taking things step by step. I’m not paying attention to predictions or who’s the favourite. I just want to enjoy the experience and give my best in every game. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gukesh_Dommaraju)]
**Interviewer:** Many consider you the frontrunner, but Ding Liren is a formidable opponent, a reigning champion. What are your thoughts on your opponent?
**Gukesh:** Ding is a great player, and I respect him a lot. Every match against him is a learning experience. I’m preparing hard and looking forward to the challenge.
**Interviewer:** You’re known for your calm demeanor, even beating the pressure of high-stakes matches. You even eschewed the traditional Bermuda Party at the Chess Olympiad, preferring to focus on your game. What keeps you grounded amidst this whirlwind of excitement?
**Gukesh:** I believe in balance. Chess takes up a big part of my life, but I also enjoy my hobbies and spend time with loved ones. Sometimes, a good laugh watching “Friends” helps me relax.
**Interviewer:** [Chuckles]
That’s something many people can relate to.
And speaking of balance, you’ve openly spoken about your faith and incorporating your Hindu traditions into your professional life.
**Gukesh:** My faith is important to me, it keeps me grounded. Wearing the tilak during competitions is a way for me to connect with my beliefs.
**Interviewer:** You have a long and potentially legendary career ahead of you. What are your goals for the future?
**Gukesh:** I just want to keep improving my game, enjoying the process, and seeing where it takes me.
**Interviewer:** Gukesh Dommaraju, a name the chess world will remember for years to come. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today. We wish you all the best in the World Championship.
**Gukesh:** Thank you.
**Interviewer:** And that’s all we have time for today. Tune in tomorrow as we continue our coverage of the World Chess Championship!
