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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– How does Gukesh’s dedication to chess and his approach to the game contribute to his success, particularly in regards to his handling of pressure?
## Interview with Chess Expert on Gukesh’s World Championship Bid
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re joined by chess expert, [Guest Name], to discuss the incredible rise of Indian prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju. Gukesh is currently playing in the World Chess Championship against reigning champion Ding Liren. [Guest Name], tell us about this incredibly talented young man.
**Guest:** Gukesh is a phenomenon. At just 18 years old, he’s already one of the youngest grandmasters in history, surpassing even Magnus Carlsen’s record. He’s a remarkably disciplined and focused individual, dedicating himself almost entirely to the game.
**Host:** It’s been said that he doesn’t pay much attention to predictions or favoritism. What can you tell us about his approach to the game?
**Guest:** That’s absolutely right. Gukesh is very grounded and focused on his own process. He doesn’t get caught up in the hype or external pressures. He’s all about constant improvement and giving his best in every game.
**Host:** He’s also achieved some impressive feats already, defeating some big names in the past few years. Can you elaborate?
**Guest:** Absolutely. He defeated both Fabiano Caruana and Magnus Carlsen in 2022, which speaks volumes about his talent. And he rose to the challenge by winning the prestigious Candidates Tournament to become the challenger for the World Championship title.
**Host:** Many pundits believe he has a good chance of winning the championship. What are some of Gukesh’s strengths?
**Guest:** On top of his incredible natural talent, Gukesh is known for his tactical sharpness and endgame prowess. He’s a very balanced player who can adapt to different playing styles.
**Host:** We’ve also been hearing about his more relaxed side, like his enjoyment of the sitcom “Friends.” Is there a contrast between his public persona and his playing style?
**Guest:** It seems so! He’s been described as shy and cautious in public, but clearly enjoys himself when he relaxes. It’s great to see that he’s not just focused on chess; he’s a well-rounded young man.
**Host:** What an exciting time for Indian chess. What does this moment mean for the future of the sport in India?
**Guest:** It’s incredibly inspiring. Gukesh’s success is a testament to the growing chess talent in India. He could usher in a new era of dominance for Indian chess on the world stage.
**Host:** [Guest Name], thank you for giving us your insights on this exciting moment in chess history.