Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history by becoming the first teenager to lead the Candidates Tournament with just one round remaining. The 17-year-old stands on the cusp of a remarkable achievement, potentially becoming the youngest player ever to qualify for the World Championship.
Gukesh’s journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In Round 13, he secured a crucial victory against Alireza Firouzja, while his co-leaders, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura, opted for a draw. Fabiano Caruana also closed the gap with a win against R Praggnanandhaa.
Despite the pressure, Gukesh has remained composed and focused. “I’m just trying my best to stay calm,” he said. “There are nerves, but I’ve been eager and excited from the first round.”
The final round promises to be a nail-biting affair, with Gukesh holding a half-point lead over Nakamura, Caruana, and Nepomniachtchi. A draw against Nakamura should suffice for Gukesh if Caruana and Nepomniachtchi also draw. However, if the latter game ends decisively, the tournament will extend into a tie-break.
Gukesh’s success is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. He has shown remarkable resilience in his first Candidates appearance, balancing aggression with caution.
In the women’s section, China’s Tan Zhongyi has taken the sole lead with a full point advantage going into the final round. A draw should secure her a spot in the World Championship. India’s R Vaishali has also impressed, winning her fourth consecutive game and moving into a tie for third place.
The dominance of Chinese players in women’s chess continues, with every world champion since 2017 hailing from China.
