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 are some of the key factors that could determine the outcome of Gukesh‘s World Championship match against Ding Liren?
## Interview with Chess Expert on Gukesh’s World Championship Run
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the upcoming World Chess Championship match between India’s rising star, Gukesh D, and defending champion Ding Liren. Joining us is chess expert [Guest Name] to give us some insights.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me. It’s certainly an exciting time for chess fans, with this match shaping up to be one for the ages.
**Interviewer:** Gukesh has taken the chess world by storm this year, becoming the youngest ever to win the prestigious Candidates Tournament and reach the World Championship Match. What are your thoughts on his incredible rise?
**Guest:** Gukesh is a phenomenal talent. He’s been a prodigy since a very young age, becoming India’s youngest Grandmaster at 12. His recent performances have been simply breathtaking, showcasing incredible tactical vision, positional understanding, and remarkable composure under pressure.
**Interviewer:** Many are predicting a Gukesh victory, citing his dominant form and Ding Liren’s recent struggles. Do you agree with this assessment?
**Guest:** While Gukesh is certainly the favorite, it’s important to remember that Ding Liren is a seasoned world champion. He’s incredibly resilient and will be fighting tooth and nail to defend his title. It won’t be an easy task for Gukesh, but his confidence and determination are undeniable.
**Interviewer:** Beyond his chess skills, what are some of the qualities that make Gukesh stand out?
**Guest:** Beyond his obvious talent, Gukesh’s humility and focus are remarkable.
He doesn’t let the pressure get to him, staying grounded and focused on improvement. He’s also been praised for his sportsmanship and respect for his opponents. These qualities, combined with his natural talent, make him a truly special player.
**Interviewer:** With the match set to begin on November 25th, what are some key factors that could determine the outcome?
**Guest:** The match format, 14 classical games, favors the challenger, giving Gukesh a chance to utilize his youthful energy and stamina. Ding Liren, however, might be relying on his experience and psychological resilience to weather any storm.
It will be fascinating to see how they adapt to each other’s styles and execute their strategies.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, [Guest Name]. It’s going to be an unforgettable World Chess Championship.