At just 18, Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh is preparing for the World Chess Championship. He will face defending champion Ding Liren from China in Singapore on November 25. This milestone caps an extraordinary journey for Gukesh, who recently became the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates Tournament.
In February 2023, Gukesh showed his determination at the WR Masters tournament, where he was one of three leaders alongside Ian Nepomniachtchi and Levon Aronian. While the others agreed to share the first prize, Gukesh pushed for a tiebreak round. Though Aronian ultimately won, he praised Gukesh’s fearless approach, calling him “a special character” for taking on seasoned players without hesitation.
Gukesh’s love for chess began as a way to pass time after school while waiting for his father, Rajini Kanth, an ENT surgeon, to finish work. His parents, who initially saw chess as a hobby, never imagined it would lead to global recognition. His mother, Padma, a microbiologist, supported his passion as he traveled to tournaments.
Even as a young boy, Gukesh stood out for his focus and calm demeanor. His coach, V Bhaskar, noticed that Gukesh could concentrate for hours and always stayed composed, win or lose. His father recalls how Gukesh remained eager to play even after losing his first tournament.
Gukesh’s early training focused on understanding positions and generating ideas. His coach, Vishnu Prasanna, avoided introducing chess engines until Gukesh had developed a strong foundation. Instead, they studied games played by lesser-known chess engines, which helped Gukesh think creatively and explore new possibilities.
Once he started using engines, Gukesh’s style evolved into a more aggressive and precise approach. His calculation skills and willingness to take risks set him apart from others. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has even marveled at Gukesh’s deep calculations during matches.
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At the 2023 Olympiad, Gukesh’s game against Wei Yi showcased his resourcefulness and killer instinct. His ability to handle tense situations and find the best moves revealed his extraordinary talent. Levon Aronian noted that Gukesh often tackles positions others would avoid because of the effort required to calculate every possibility.
As he prepares for the World Chess Championship, Gukesh is riding high on his recent achievements. He has shown an ability to adapt and grow quickly, impressing the chess world with his skill and ambition. During the pandemic, Gukesh studied Garry Kasparov’s My Great Predecessors series, learning about past champions. It’s a twist of fate that he now faces Ding Liren, the player he once rooted for during the Candidates Tournament.
Though Gukesh’s current form makes him a favorite, the World Championship will test his abilities in new ways. The pressure is immense, but Gukesh’s focus, confidence, and drive could help him achieve his dream of becoming world champion.
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