The chess world has been shaken by a serious allegation following the FIDE World Chess Championship. China’s Ding Liren, the defending world champion, has been accused of ‘deliberately’ losing the final game to India’s 18-year-old prodigy, D Gukesh. The accusation, made by Russian Chess Federation chief Andrei Filatov, has sparked widespread debate and calls for an investigation into the match.
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Chess: The Controversial Game
The decisive 14th game of the championship saw Ding Liren make a critical error, which allowed Gukesh to capitalize and secure victory. This win not only crowned Gukesh as the youngest world chess champion in history but also marked a monumental moment for Indian chess. However, Filatov has raised suspicions about the nature of Ding’s loss, describing his moves in the final stages as “extremely suspicious” and “requiring investigation.”
Speaking to Russian news agency TASS, Filatov urged the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to probe the match. “The result of the last game caused bewilderment among professionals and chess fans. The actions of the Chinese chess player in the decisive segment are extremely suspicious and require a separate investigation by FIDE,” he stated. Filatov further added, “Losing the position in which Ding Liren was is difficult even for a first-class player. The defeat raises a lot of questions and looks deliberate.”
Gukesh’s Historic Triumph
Amid the controversy, Gukesh’s achievement remains a historic milestone for Indian chess. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh has become only the second Indian to win the world chess championship. Anand, a five-time world champion, played a significant role in mentoring Gukesh at his chess academy in Chennai, helping shape the young prodigy into a formidable player.
Gukesh’s victory was hard-earned. He secured 7.5 points against Ding’s 6.5 after winning the final classical time control game, which had seemed destined for a draw for most of its duration. The win not only brought him the prestigious title but also a prize of $1.3 million (approximately ₹11.03 crore) from the $2.5 million prize pool.
Reflecting on his achievement, Gukesh shared, “I was dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I turned the dream into reality.” Known for his calm demeanor during matches, the usually reserved teenager couldn’t hide his emotions after the victory. He grinned widely, raised his arms in celebration, and even shed a few tears, showing a rare glimpse of vulnerability.
The Legacy of Indian Chess
Gukesh’s triumph is a testament to the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage. With Anand’s guidance and the support of a thriving chess community in India, Gukesh has emerged as a symbol of the country’s bright future in the sport. His victory not only cements his place in history but also inspires a new generation of chess enthusiasts.
While the allegations surrounding Ding Liren’s loss cast a shadow over the championship, they do not diminish Gukesh’s remarkable achievement. The young champion’s journey from a dream-driven teenager to the world’s best chess player is a story of perseverance, talent, and dedication.
Read More: D Gukesh Becomes Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion at 18 years!
FAQs
1. Why is Ding Liren accused of deliberately losing the match?
Ding Liren’s moves in the final stages of the 14th game have been described as “suspicious” by Russian Chess Federation chief Andrei Filatov. He claims that Ding’s errors were uncharacteristic of a player of his caliber and has called for an investigation by FIDE to determine if the loss was intentional.
2. What makes Gukesh’s victory significant?
Gukesh’s win is historic as he becomes the youngest world chess champion and only the second Indian to achieve this feat after Viswanathan Anand. His victory also highlights the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage, with Gukesh emerging as a symbol of the country’s bright future in the sport.
In conclusion, while the allegations against Ding Liren have stirred controversy, Gukesh’s historic triumph remains a moment of pride for chess enthusiasts worldwide. His journey to the top is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the legacy of Indian chess.
