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 are the biggest challenges Gukesh might face in preparing for the World Chess Championship against a seasoned player like Ding Liren?
## A Champion in the Making: An Interview with Chess Expert Akash Sharma
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show, Akash. We’re all abuzz about the upcoming World Chess Championship match between India’s own Gukesh Dommaraju and reigning champion Ding Liren. What are your thoughts on the youngest ever World Championship contender?
**Akash Sharma:** Absolutely thrilled to be here. It’s truly an exciting time for chess, especially for Indian fans. Gukesh is a phenomenal talent. At just 18 years old, he’s already achieved what most players only dream of.
His victory at the prestigious Candidates tournament, becoming the youngest ever winner, was a clear indication of his abilities.
**Interviewer:** Many experts seem to predict a comfortable victory for Gukesh. Do you agree?
**Akash Sharma:** While Gukesh is certainly favoured, Ding Liren is a formidable opponent and a proven world champion. It’s crucial to remember that he’s not going down without a fight. Chess is a game of surprises, and any underestimation could prove fatal. Gukesh himself has said that he doesn’t believe in predictions or favorites, and I think that’s the right approach.
**Interviewer:** Gukesh appears to be incredibly grounded and focused. How has he managed to stay so level-headed amidst all this pressure?
**Akash Sharma:** Gukesh seems to possess a remarkable maturity beyond his years. He’s described as someone who focuses on the process, on giving his best every day, rather than getting caught up in the hype or predictions. This calm and calculated demeanor speaks volumes about his mental fortitude.
Furthermore, he’s backed by the mentorship of a legend like Viswanathan Anand, who has publicly declared Gukesh as his successor. That guidance and support must be invaluable.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen glimpses of Gukesh’s personality off the board, from his playful celebration of India’s Chess Olympiad victory to his confessed love for “Friends.” Does this suggest a balance in his life that contributes to his success?
**Akash Sharma:** Absolutely. It’s important for athletes, especially at such a young age, to have passions and outlets beyond their sport. The glimpses we see of Gukesh suggest a well-rounded individual, someone who can relax, enjoy life, and connect with others. That ability to switch off and recharge likely contributes to his on-board focus and performance.
**Interviewer:** We wish Gukesh all the best in this momentous championship match. Thank you for sharing your insights, Akash.
**Akash Sharma:** My pleasure. This is a historical moment for Indian chess, and I’m eagerly looking forward to witnessing the unfolding drama. [ [1](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5935056/2024/11/24/gukesh-d-ding-liren-chess-world-championship/) ]
