Chess prodigy Gukesh D has etched his name in history by becoming the third Indian to qualify for the prestigious Candidates tournament, joining R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi in Toronto next year.
At just 17, Gukesh secured the berth after the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Samarkand, making him one of the youngest male players ever to qualify, following in the footsteps of legends Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen.
Gukesh’s journey to this achievement had its ups and downs. After an impressive World Cup performance, he overtook Vishwanathan Anand in the FIDE Rankings, but faced challenges. December turned the tide in his favor with a third-place finish in the London Chess Classic and a crucial victory in the Chennai Masters.
The youngster’s spot at the Candidates tournament is now confirmed, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Gukesh’s remarkable rise began at the age of 12 when he became the second-youngest grandmaster in history in 2019.
His subsequent achievements include a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games, and in October 2022, he became the youngest player to defeat Magnus Carlsen since the latter became World Champion. In 2023, Gukesh achieved a historic rating of 2750+, making him the youngest player in history to reach this milestone and the highest-ranked Indian in the FIDE Rankings.
Gukesh’s remarkable journey exemplifies his prodigious talent and resilience in the world of chess. The Indian chess community eagerly awaits his participation in the Candidates tournament, where he will compete against the world’s best for a chance at challenging for the World Chess Championship.
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