Chess legend Susan Polgar praised Gukesh’s coach Viswanathan Anand for his contribution to chess after he became world champion at the age of 18 in the history of the game.
“To my friend @vishy64theking, your vision and passion for chess has come full circle! Your place in chess history, on and off the chess board, is now etched in stone! Congratulations,” she wrote on X.
Indian teenager Gukesh D became the youngest chess world champion on Thursday after defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in the final match of the series in Singapore.
A moment that many have dreamed of but experienced by only 18 people on the entire planet in the history of chess! And this 18-year-old, the youngest, undisputed champion of the world, just had his name engraved on this famous list!
He will inspire millions… https://t.co/kh3bQesZ9c
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) December 13, 2024
The 18-year-old Gukesh scored 7.5 points against his Chinese rival’s 6.5 in the tournament, surpassing the feat of Russia’s Garry Kasparov, who won the title at the age of 22.
The Indian teenage prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after becoming a chess grandmaster at the age of 12. He entered the game as the youngest contender for the world crown earlier this year after winning the Candidates tournament.
Susan Polgar said Gukesh will inspire millions of children around the world and be a great chess ambassador.
“A moment dreamed of by many but experienced by only 18 people on the entire planet in the history of chess!
“And this 18-year-old, the youngest, undisputed champion of the world, just had his name engraved on this famous list.
“He will inspire millions of kids around the world, especially in India. He will be the best chess ambassador ever.
“He is young, professional, friendly, mature, humble, perfect, respectful, charismatic, well-dressed, well-spoken, and well-behaved.
“Chess is in a great place! Millions of congratulations to Gukesh, his loving family, his brilliant team, the supportive Indian Chess Federation, the entire enthusiastic Indian chess community,” she said.
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