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 create 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 carries 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 won against 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 might Ding Liren’s experience as a World Champion pose a challenge for Gukesh Dommaraju?
## A Prodigy On the Cusp of History: Interview with Chess Expert Priya Sharma
**Host:** Welcome back to “Chess Chat”! We’re diving into the highly anticipated World Chess Championship match between India’s rising star Gukesh Dommaraju and reigning champion Ding Liren. Joining us today is renowned chess expert Priya Sharma to analyze this historical moment. Priya, welcome to the show!
**Priya Sharma:** Thank you for having me. I’m incredibly excited about this match.
**Host:** Gukesh’s ascent has been truly meteoric. Can you tell our viewers a bit about his journey to this point?
**Priya Sharma:** Absolutely! Gukesh became India’s youngest grandmaster at a staggering 12 years old! He’s already defeated chess giants like Fabiano Caruana and even Magnus Carlsen. His recent victory at the prestigious Candidates Tournament secured his spot in this championship, making him the youngest ever challenger.
**Host:** Many experts predict Gukesh will emerge victorious. What are his strengths?
**Priya Sharma:** Clearly, Gukesh possesses incredible talent and tactical brilliance. His youthful enthusiasm and fearless approach, often described as “unassuming,” have taken the chess world by storm. He doesn’t seem pressured by expectations or history, which is a remarkable asset at such a young age.
**Host:** Ding Liren, on the other hand, is a seasoned champion. What challenges does he pose for Gukesh?
**Priya Sharma:** Ding Liren is an incredibly strong player. While some argue he’s been struggling recently, you can never underestimate a world champion’s experience and tenacity. This will be a true test of Gukesh’s mettle.
**Host:** Gukesh seems remarkably grounded despite the immense pressure of this match.
**Priya Sharma:** That’s right. There are stories of him prioritising his process over predictions, even declining to attend the traditional celebratory events at the Chess Olympiad. He seems laser-focused on his game, even though he admits to being a fan of “Friends” and enjoys a good dance when it’s time to celebrate, which is endearing.
**Host:** Final predictions, Priya? What can we expect from this championship?
**Priya Sharma:** This is a clash of generations and styles. It’s truly impossible to say who will win. What’s guaranteed is an epic battle fought by two brilliant minds. It’s a must-watch for any chess enthusiast and will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in chess history.
**Host:** Priya Sharma, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s certainly shaping up to be a thrilling championship!
