Gukesh Dommaraju: Youngest World Chess Contender
Indian grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju is on the verge of making chess history as the youngest contender for the World Chess Championship. The excitement peaked on Saturday at The Great Hall in Toronto, where Gukesh triumphed over his French opponent, Alireza Firouzja, in the 2024 Candidates Tournament organized by FIDE.
Also Read: Gukesh Clinches Gold: Youngest Winner in Canada's Candidates
If Gukesh maintains his lead after the penultimate round, he'll secure a shot at the world chess crown, making him the youngest player ever to do so. His victory over Firouzja has positioned him as the sole leader going into the final round.
Reflecting on his upcoming match during a press conference, Gukesh remained focused on playing his best. He expressed confidence in his strategy and concentration, despite concerns about his relative lack of experience.
At just 17 years old, Gukesh leads with 8.5 points after 13 rounds, narrowly ahead of his American rivals Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, as well as Russian contender Ian Nepomniachtchi. While Nepomniachtchi and Nakamura drew their match, Caruana secured a win against Indian player Praggnanandhaa, who is now out of contention along with Santosh Gujarathi Vidit.
In the Women's category, India's hopes have dwindled, with Vaishali Rameshbabu and Koneru Humpy out of the running despite their 6.5 points each. Vaishali has shown remarkable form lately, winning four consecutive matches, including a recent victory against Lei Tingjie of China. However, the leading lady, Tan Zhongyi, stands at 8.5 points, needing just a draw in the final round to challenge current world champion Wenjun Ju.
The tension is palpable as the tournament nears its climax. Gukesh faces Nakamura in a crucial match, while Nepomniachtchi takes on Caruana. With each player vying for a favorable outcome, Gukesh has the opportunity to secure victory with a win.
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