World Chess Championship 2024: D Gukesh beats Ding Liren to become youngest world champion

India’s D Gukesh beat China’s Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess Championship to become the youngest world champion in the sport.

Gukesh’s title win came after he trumped reigning champion Ding in the 14th round. The game was set for a draw before reigning champion Ding blundered in the 55th move, effectively gifting the game to his rival.

GUKESH VS DING LIREN ROUND 14 HIGHLIGHTS

Earlier, wielding the white pieces, Ding started with Nf3, to which Gukesh responded with d5, setting the stage for a Reversed Grunfeld game.

The Indian Grand Master had begun the championship on the back foot after he suffered a defeat in the opening round. But, Gukesh bounced back to level the final in the third round.

Gukesh took the lead in 11th round, only to lose the next game as Ding struck back. With the final looking destined for a tiebreaker, Gukesh capitalised on Ding’s mistake o make history.

Gukesh qualified for the World Championship after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.