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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How does it feel to be on the brink of history?
## Interview with Chess Prodigy
**
Today, we have a very special guest joining us, the youngest ever challenger
for the World Chess Championship title, Gukesh Dommaraju.
Welcome
Gukesh, congratulations on making it to the World Championship! You’ve
been making waves in the chess world for years now. Tell us, how
does it feel to be on the brink of making history?**
**Goksh:** Thank you. [smiles shyly] It’s incredible. I’m really excited for
the challenge.
**You’ve been called the “next Magnus Carlsen” and there’s a lot of
expectation riding on your shoulders. How do you handle that pressure?**
**Goksh:** I try not
to
focus on the predictions or expectations. My main aim is to enjoy
the
experience and play my best game.
**You’re known for your dedication to the game. How many hours a day do
you
typically spend practicing and studying?**
**Goksh:** [chuckles]
It’s a lot! Chess is my passion, and I fortunate to be
able to
devote most of my time to it.
**You recently defeated some of the best players in the world, including
Fabiano Caruana and even Magnus Carlsen.
Do you think you can
dethrone Ding Liren and become India’s first World Chess
Champion?**
**Goksh:** It’s going to be a tough match [pauses]. Ding
Liren is a
fantastic player, but I’m confident in my abilities. I’m just
going to
focus on each game and see what happens.
**Outside of chess, what are your passions? We hear you’re a fan of
the
TV show ‘Friends’.**
**Goksh:** [laughs softly]
Yes, I
enjoy watching ‘Friends’ in my spare time.
It’s a good way to relax and
unwind.
**Well, Gukesh, we’re all rooting for you. Best of luck in the final!**
**Goksh:** Thank you!
**
