World Chess Championship 2024: How did D Gukesh qualify for the final vs Ding Liren? 

India’s D Gukesh qualified for the final of the World Chess Championship 2024 after winning the Candidates at The Great Hall in Toronto in April. The teenager will be up against Ding Liren of China in the 14-game final at the Resorts World Sentosa, a well-known resort in Singapore. The World Championship is scheduled for November 25 to December 13.

Earlier, World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura from the USA had backed Gukesh to come up trumps against Liren. Nakamura, however, said that Liren could seize the initiative in the contest if he pulls off draws in the first few games. He also mentioned that Gukesh will have an 80 percent chance of a victory.

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How did D Gukesh perform in the Candidates?

D Gukesh also became the youngest to win the Candidates trophy at the age of 17 years. Moreover, he also become the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to bag the championship. In the same tournament, R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi held the fifth and sixth spots, respectively.

Gukesh drew his last-round match against Nakamura to win the Candidates title. His job was made easier after the match between Ina Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana ended in a draw.

After the win, Anand, Gukesh’s mentor, congratulated the youngster for winning the Candidates.

“The WacaChess family is so proud of what you have done. I am personally very proud of how you played and handled tough situations. Enjoy the moment,” Anand wrote on X.

Gukesh has the chance to become the youngest world champion when he locks horns with Liren in the final. Gary Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen became the world champions at the age of 22.

Ever since becoming a Grandmaster at the age of 12, Gukesh has not looked back. Last year, he became the top-ranked chess player from India, toppling his mentor.

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