As D Gukesh becomes the youngest world chess champion, allegations arise accusing defending champion Ding Liren of deliberately losing the match. FIDE has been urged to investigate.
December 13, 2024: India’s D Gukesh created history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, defeating defending champion Ding Liren in a nail-biting finale. However, the 14th and decisive game of the match has been overshadowed by serious allegations from Russian Chess Federation chief Andrei Filatov, who has accused Liren of deliberately losing to Gukesh.
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Filatov, quoted by Russian news agency TASS, expressed doubts over Liren’s performance and called on the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to launch an investigation into the game’s outcome. “The result of the last game caused bewilderment among professionals and chess fans. The actions of the Chinese chess player in the decisive segment are extremely suspicious and require a separate investigation by FIDE,” Filatov stated.
He further elaborated, “Losing the position in which Ding Liren was is difficult even for a first-class player. The defeat of the Chinese chess player in today’s game raises a lot of questions and looks like a deliberate one.”
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Amid the controversy, Gukesh’s achievement remains a monumental moment for Indian chess. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who won the World Chess Championship five times, the 18-year-old prodigy became only the second Indian to claim the prestigious title.
The match seemed destined for a draw, but a crucial error by Liren allowed Gukesh to secure victory with a total of 7.5 points against Liren’s 6.5. The win not only earned Gukesh the championship crown but also a staggering prize of USD 1.3 million (approximately Rs 11.03 crore) from the total prize pool of USD 2.5 million.
Reflecting on his achievement, Gukesh expressed his joy: “I was dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realized the dream and turned it into reality.”
The normally composed Gukesh couldn’t hold back his emotions after the victory. He celebrated with a rare display of exuberance, raising his arms in triumph. Later, as the gravity of the moment sank in, the young champion shed a tear or two, offering a glimpse of the passion and hard work behind his historic success.
A product of Viswanathan Anand’s chess academy in Chennai, Gukesh credited his mentor for shaping his journey. His victory adds another chapter to India’s illustrious chess legacy, even as FIDE faces pressure to address the allegations surrounding the match.
Tags:
- D Gukesh
- Ding Liren
- World Chess Championship
- Chess Controversy
- Indian Chess
- Viswanathan Anand
- FIDE Investigation
- Chess Records
