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
Who is considered to be Goksh’s main competitor in the upcoming World Chess Championship?
## Interview: Can Goksh Make History?
Today we are joined by Chess Grandmaster, [**Guest Expert Name**], to discuss the upcoming World Chess Championship match between reigning champion Ding Liren and rising prodigy Dommaraju Gukesh.
**Interviewer:** Goksh, at just 18 years old, is already making waves in the chess world. Can you tell us what makes him such a remarkable talent?
**Guest Expert:** What makes Goksh truly special is his combination of raw talent, strategic depth, and an incredible work ethic. [He has been racking up impressive victories against top players, including Fabiano Caruana and Magnus Carlsen. ] [[1] describes his journey to becoming the youngest winner of the prestigious Candy Dates tournament, cementing his place in the championship.]
**Interviewer:** The championships are set to be highly competitive. Ding Liren is a seasoned champion, how do you see this matchup playing out?
**Guest Expert:** While Ding Liren is a formidable opponent, there’s a lot of anticipation surrounding Goksh. [[1] mentions that many pundits believe Gukesh has a strong chance, despite Ding’s experience. ]Goksh is known for his innovative strategic approach and uncanny ability to calculate multiple moves ahead. He also seems to be handling the pressure exceptionally well.
**Interviewer:** Gukesh has described himself as a “Friends” fan, and he seems pretty down-to-earth despite his achievements. How important is it for a chess player to have a life outside of the game?
**Guest Expert:** Mental fortitude is crucial in chess, and having interests and outlets outside the game can be incredibly beneficial. It helps to maintain a sense of balance and prevent burnout. Goksh’s demeanor suggests he understands this balance; he is clearly dedicated but also seems to enjoy life beyond chess.
**Interviewer:** What are your predictions for the match, and what will this mean for the future of chess?
**Guest Expert:** This match is generating a lot of excitement for the future of chess.Antony]Regardless of the outcome, Goksh’s presence at the world championship is a testament to his incredible talent. He represents a new generation of chess prodigies, and his impact on the game will undoubtedly be significant.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for shedding light on this momentous chess match. We wish both players the best of luck.
**Guest Expert:** Thank you for having me.