D. Gukesh Emerges as India’s New Chess Champion, Surpassing Viswanathan Anand in Live Rankings
In a remarkable turn of events, 17-year-old chess prodigy D. Gukesh has dethroned Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand as India’s top chess player in the live world rankings. Gukesh achieved this feat after defeating Mistradin Iskandarov in the second round of the FIDE World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan.
With a live rating of 2755.9, Gukesh climbed to the ninth position in the classic open category, surpassing Anand who dropped to the tenth spot with a score of 2754.0. Anand’s reign as India’s top-rated chess player, which lasted an impressive 37 years, has finally come to an end.
This significant development quickly gained attention in the chess world, with the International Chess Federation (ICF) tweeting, Gukesh D won again today and has overcome Viswanathan Anand in live rating! There is still almost a month till the next official FIDE rating list on September 1, but it’s highly likely that the 17-year-old will be making it to the top 10 in the world as the highest-rated Indian player!
Gukesh’s exceptional performance has captivated chess enthusiasts worldwide, and all eyes are now on his upcoming match against an Azerbaijani opponent, where he will be playing with the black pieces. A draw in this crucial match will advance him to the second round, while another victory will not only consolidate his position in the live ratings but also elevate him above Anand in the world rankings.
Notably, Gukesh is also inching closer to Alireza Firouzja, a rising star in the chess world who is not competing in Baku. By achieving this remarkable feat, Gukesh has become the third Indian player to break into the top 10 in the world rankings, joining the ranks of Anand and Pentala Harikrishna.
The profound impact of Gukesh’s achievement extends beyond his personal success. It signifies the emergence of young Indian talents who are poised to make significant contributions on the global chess stage.
As we eagerly await Gukesh’s next moves and the outcome of his ongoing journey in the FIDE World Cup, the chess world is abuzz with anticipation and respect for this remarkable teenage prodigy. Gukesh’s rise to the top serves as inspiration for aspiring chess players and emphasizes the immense potential India possesses in producing exceptional chess talents.
It is a proud moment for Indian chess and a testament to the dedication and perseverance of young players like Gukesh, who continue to push the boundaries of excellence in the game.
