Youngest Winner Gukesh Triumphs in Candidates; Tan Leads Women by 1.5 Points

In a historic moment for chess, Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest ever to win the prestigious Candidates Tournament, while Tan Zhongyi triumphed in the Women’s Candidates by a significant 1.5 points margin.

Key takeaways

• Gukesh Dommaraju wins 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament at 17, becoming the youngest ever winner.
• Tan Zhongyi leads the Women’s Candidates Tournament throughout, winning by 1.5 points.
• GM Fabiano Caruana’s draw against GM Ian Nepomniachtchi ensured Gukesh’s advancement.
• Tan Zhongyi to face GM Ju Wenjun in a rematch for the FIDE Women’s World Championship.

Gukesh’s Record-Breaking Triumph

The chess world watched in awe as 17-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju clinched the title after a grueling 14-round battle. His performance, a rating of 2847, not only broke age records but also set a new standard for upcoming grandmasters. Gukesh’s strategic play and calm demeanor throughout the tournament have been the talk of the chess community, marking the rise of a new chess prodigy.

Gukesh’s victory is not just personal; it’s historic. It signifies the first all-Asian world championship match in chess history, excluding the women’s championships. This shift in the chess epicenter from Europe to Asia underscores the global nature of the sport and the emergence of new powerhouses in the chess world.

The Final Rounds of Drama

The tournament’s conclusion was nothing short of dramatic. GM Fabiano Caruana, in a must-win situation, faced GM Ian Nepomniachtchi. Despite having a winning position, he could not convert it into a victory, resulting in a draw. This outcome paved the way for Gukesh, who only needed a draw against GM Hikaru Nakamura to secure his tournament win.

As the rounds progressed, the tension was palpable. Gukesh, showing maturity beyond his years, held his own against Nakamura, leading to a draw that crowned him the champion. The chess community has lauded his resilience, especially after bouncing back from an earlier loss to Firouzja in the tournament, showcasing the mental fortitude required of a grandmaster.

Tan Zhongyi’s Dominant Performance

Tan Zhongyi’s victory in the Women’s Candidates was a testament to her consistent and dominant play. Leading the tournament from start to finish, Tan demonstrated strategic acumen and tactical finesse. Her draw against GM Anna Muzychuk in the final round was a calculated move, ensuring her overall win and the chance to challenge for the world title.

The upcoming match against GM Ju Wenjun is not just a championship bout; it’s a narrative of redemption for Tan. Having lost to Ju in their 2018 encounter, Tan’s victory in the Candidates Tournament has set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch, promising a clash of titans in the chess world.

Implications for the Chess World

The victories of Gukesh and Tan have far-reaching implications for the chess landscape. Gukesh’s win signifies a generational shift and the rise of India as a chess superpower, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand. Tan’s performance underlines the strength and depth of women’s chess in China, a country that has produced multiple world champions.

Their achievements have inspired a new generation of chess players, proving that age and gender are no barriers to reaching the pinnacle of this intellectual sport. The chess world eagerly anticipates the upcoming world championship matches, where Gukesh and Tan will showcase their prowess on the global stage.

Gukesh Youngest Ever To Win Candidates Tournament, Tan Wins Women’s By 1.5 Points, marking a significant milestone in chess history. Their remarkable achievements herald a new era in the game, characterized by youthful brilliance and strategic mastery. As the chess world turns its eyes to the upcoming world championship matches, Gukesh and Tan stand as beacons of excellence and the boundless potential of the mind’s game.