In a remarkable turn of events, 17-year-old chess prodigy D Gukesh has dethroned the legendary Viswanathan Anand as India’s No. 1 chess player. This shift in the chess hierarchy has left the world buzzing with excitement, and Gukesh is determined to harness this momentum and propel himself even further into the chess stratosphere.
Gukesh’s recent rise to the top was not without its fair share of challenges. He recently faced off against Norway’s Magnus Carlsen in the World Cup quarterfinals, an experience that could have easily crushed the spirits of a lesser player. However, Gukesh has proven his resilience and determination by bouncing back from this setback.
Despite the loss, Gukesh remains unwavering in his pursuit of chess greatness. “It’s already quite some time back; it’s fine. There are things ahead, and I’m focusing on that,” he confidently asserted. What sets Gukesh apart is his remarkable ability to stay focused on the future, undeterred by past setbacks.
What makes Gukesh’s journey even more impressive is the fact that he is currently without a sponsor. He finances his chess career through prize money and crowd-funding, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game. One key factor that has played a pivotal role in his success is the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, which welcomed him in 2021. Gukesh acknowledges the academy’s role in shaping his path to success, and he couldn’t be more grateful.
Gukesh’s recent achievement, leapfrogging Anand in the FIDE rating list, is a significant milestone in his young career. He now proudly holds the title of India’s No. 1 chess player, with an Elo rating of 2758, surpassing Anand’s 2754. Gukesh expressed his joy, saying, “I feel good; it’s a great achievement, and I’m thrilled about it.”
He gives credit to his trainers and the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy for molding him into the formidable player he is today. Gukesh’s determination and talent have not only elevated him to the top of the Indian chess hierarchy but have also placed him at an impressive No. 8 in the world rankings. Remarkably, he and Anand are the only two Indians currently in the world’s top 10.
India’s young chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa, with an Elo rating of 2727, stands at No. 3 in India and No. 19 in the world. The recent World Cup in Baku showcased the incredible talent of Indian chess players, with an unprecedented four of them making it to the quarterfinals. Praggnanandhaa’s exceptional performance earned him a coveted spot in the Candidates tournament, making him the youngest runner-up in the tournament’s history at just 18 years old.
With four more spots up for grabs in next year’s Candidates tournament, the chess world eagerly awaits to see who will rise to the occasion and challenge the reigning champion, Ding Liren, for the World Championship title. The FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament 2023, scheduled for October-November in the Isle of Man, will offer two coveted spots, while one each will be awarded to the ‘FIDE Circuit winner’ and the ‘Best by Rating.’ Notably, Gukesh currently leads the FIDE Circuit rankings.
When asked about his next target, Gukesh remains modest and focused on the game itself. “Let’s see, who knows what will happen. Right now, my goal is to just improve my game and see where it takes me. Now, just focusing on improving my game,” he said.
As Gukesh and the next generation of Indian chess stars continue to make their mark on the global stage, they carry the hopes and expectations of a chess-loving nation. Anand, the legendary chess grandmaster, has complimented the rising talents, and Gukesh and his peers are determined to live up to his legacy. The question remains: Could one of them become the first Indian since Anand to claim the coveted title of World Chess Champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world of chess has never been more thrilling and full of promise.https://www.sportiwe.com/ #SportiWe #BeSportiWe #MatchMeetPlay
