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 make 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.
This section contains related reference points (Related Nodes field).
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 Carlsen.
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.’
#Gokesh #Indian #youngster #verge #making #history #world #chess
How has the mentorship of Viswanathan Anand influenced Goksh Dommaraju’s chess career?
## Indian Wonderkid Dommaraju Aims for Chess History
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is the youngest-ever Chess World Championship finalist, 18-year-old Goksh Dommaraju. Goksh, congratulations on making history getting to this stage. How are you feeling ahead of this monumental match against reigning champion Ding Liren?
**Goksh Dommaraju:** Thank you. It’s truly an honor to be here. I’m feeling very focused and excited for the challenge ahead. I’m just trying to enjoy the experience and play my best chess.
**Interviewer:** Many consider you the favorite to win, especially given Ding Liren’s recent struggles. Do predictions and expectations weigh on you at all?
**Goksh Dommaraju:** Not really. I don’t believe in predictions and favorites. Every match is a new battle, and I’m focused on my own game.
**Interviewer:** You’ve achieved incredible things at such a young age, becoming India’s youngest grandmaster and defeating reigning world number one Magnus Carlsen. What drives your dedication to chess?
**Goksh Dommaraju:** I simply love the game. It’s a constant challenge, constantly pushing you to learn and improve.
**Interviewer:** In contrast to your serious persona on the board, we saw a fun side of you celebrating India’s Chess Olympiad victory with some spirited dancing.
**Goksh Dommaraju:** [laughs] Yeah, sometimes you need to let loose and enjoy the moment!
**Interviewer:** You’ve been mentored by Indian legend Viswanathan Anand. What has his guidance meant to you?
**Goksh Dommaraju:** Vishy has been an incredible mentor and inspiration. He’s provided invaluable advice and support throughout my journey.
**Interviewer:** The world will be watching as you face Ding Liren. What message do you have for your fans and supporters back in India?
**Goksh Dommaraju:** Thank you for your unwavering support. I’ll give it my all and fight for victory.
