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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What are some of Gukesh‘s hobbies and interests off the chessboard?
## Chess Prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju Aims for History
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has taken the world by storm, reaching the World Chess Championship at just 18 years old. Gukesh, congratulations on this phenomenal achievement!
**Gukesh:** Thank you.
**Interviewer:** You’re the youngest player ever to reach the World Championship, and many experts believe you’re the favorite to win. How do you handle the pressure?
**Gukesh:** I try not to focus on predictions or favorites. My main goal is to enjoy the experience, play my best, and focus on the process [ [1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gukesh_Dommaraju)].
**Interviewer:** You defeated the American number one, Fabiano Caruana, and even five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen in 2022. These are remarkable feats. Did you feel any added pressure facing such legendary players?
**Gukesh:** Every game is a new challenge, and I approach each one with the same mindset. I respect all my opponents, but I’m focused on my own game.
**Interviewer:** You’re known for your quiet and focused demeanor. Some might even say you’re a bit shy. But we also saw you celebrate India’s Chess Olympiad victory with some joyful dancing! Can you tell us a bit about your personality off the board?
**Gukesh:** (smiles) I do like to have fun and relax with friends.
I enjoy watching ‘Friends’ – it’s a great way to unwind.
But when I’m competing, it’s important to stay focused.
**Interviewer:** Viswanathan Anand, a legend himself, has praised your abilities and even called you his successor. How has his mentorship influenced your journey?
**Gukesh:** Viswanathan Anand has been an incredible inspiration and mentor. His guidance and support have been invaluable.
**Interviewer:** You’re on the cusp of potentially becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever. What would that victory mean to you?
**Gukesh:** It would be an unbelievable honour to win the World Championship. But regardless of the outcome, I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level.
**Interviewer:** Gukesh, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We wish you the best of luck in the World Championship.
**Gukesh:** Thank you.
