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 celebrate 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 practicing chess, Goksh recently admitted that he is a fan of 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 match 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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How does Gukesh Dommaraju’s youthful age impact his chances in the World Chess Championship?
## The Next Chess King?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. We are joined today by [Chess Expert Name], a renowned chess analyst. Gukesh Dommaraju has taken the chess world by storm, reaching the World Chess Championship at only 18. What makes this young man so special?
**Guest:** This is a remarkable story. Gukesh’s ascent has been meteoric. He became India’s youngest grandmaster ever, breaking records along the way.
He’s even defeated chess titans like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. His win at the prestigious Candidate Tournament to secure the World Championship match speaks volumes about his talent.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned his youthful age. Does it give him an advantage or put extra pressure on him?
**Guest:** It’s a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, he has youthful fearlessness and boundless energy. He hasn’t reached that point where pressure becomes debilitating. However, the weight of expectations is significant. He’s facing the reigning champion, Ding Liren, who despite recent struggles, remains a formidable opponent.
**Interviewer** Gukesh has said he isn’t focused on predictions and wants to focus on his “process.”
What does that tell us about his mindset?
**Guest:** It shows remarkable maturity. He understands the hype surrounding this match but isn’t letting it consume him. Focusing on the process, on his own game and preparation, is the only way to stay grounded in such a high-stakes situation.
**Interviewer:** We’ve heard whispers that Viswanathan Anand, a true legend of the game, sees Gukesh as his successor. How important is having a mentor like Anand in his corner?
**Guest:** Anand’s guidance is invaluable. Having a five-time world champion offering advice and support is a tremendous asset for any young player. Anand recognizes Gukesh’s potential and believes in him. That kind of backing can be a real game-changer.
**Interviewer:** With everything at stake, what’s your prediction for the World Championship match?
**Guest:** It’s going to be a thrilling battle. Gukesh has the talent and momentum on his side, but Ding Liren is a seasoned champion.
It’s too close to call.
One thing’s for sure – we’re witnessing the potential birth of a new chess king.
