Dommaraju’s victory came in the final game of the classical series, Game 14, where he had the black pieces. He is the youngest person to hold the title, surpassing Garry Kasparov who won at age 22, when he defeated Anatoly Karpov in 1985. Liren made a one-move blunder under time trouble deep into the end game with only kings and pawns remaining on the chess board. Analysts say the position was defensible, and the Fritz engine confirmed it. Dommaraju had an extra pawn but the pawn was not passed. The game is featured in today’s column. Dommaraju is the second Indian to hold the title after five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand.
After Dommaraju’s victory, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi dispatched a congratulatory message to him on X. It read as follows: “Historic and exemplary! Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination. His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours.”
The President of India Droupadi Murmu also lauded Dommaraju stating his victory “stamps the authority of India as a chess powerhouse”. Dommaraju’s strategy was an aggressive one. When Liren won Game 1, Dommaraju levelled the score in Game 3. Again scores were levelled at Game 12 until Dommaraju took the final game.
Dommaraju’s parents are a doctor and microbiologist. He became a grandmaster at 12 and he has victories over Fabiano Caruana and Magnus Carlsen.
