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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What strategies might Gukesh need to employ to capitalize on Ding Liren’s perceived “slump in form”?
## Young Gukesh on the Cusp of History: A Chess Interview
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re delving into the world of chess today, a game known for its tradition, strategy, and, sometimes, unexpected starlets. Speaking of which, 18-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh from India is making waves as he challenges reigning champion Ding Liren for the World Chess Championship title. Joining us to discuss this historic match is chess analyst, [Guest Name].
**Guest:** Thanks for having me. Gukesh’s story is truly remarkable. Becoming the World Champion at 18 would be unprecedented, surpassing even the legendary Kasparov’s achievement.
**Host:** Absolutely. The chess world is abuzz with anticipation. Many pundits predict a Gukesh victory, considering Ding’s recent slump in form. How do you see this playing out?
**Guest:** It’s certainly an exciting time. Gukesh’s rise has been phenomenal, breaking records as India’s youngest grandmaster and defeating top players like Caruana and Carlsen. But, as Gukesh himself stated, he doesn’t focus on predictions and favorites. He’s focused on his game, and that’s a wise approach.
**Host:** Gukesh seems incredibly grounded, especially for someone on the brink of such a momentous achievement. We hear about his love for “Friends” and how he prefers to celebrate success in a modest way – even skipping the Bermuda Party at the Chess Olympiad. What makes him tick?
**Guest:** [Guest provides insight into Gukesh’s personality and approach, drawing on the provided information while adding their own expert analysis.]
**Host:** It’s inspiring to see such dedication and humility in a young athlete at the top of his game. What advice would you give Gukesh as he heads into this crucial match?
**Guest:** [Guest provides advice for Gukesh, emphasizing the importance of focus, strategic play, and mental fortitude.]
**Host:** Well said. Thanks for shedding light on this exciting moment in chess history. We’ll be watching closely to see how Gukesh fares against Ding Liren.
**Host:** We’ll be right back after a short break.