In a thrilling turn of events at the Candidates tournament, 17-year-old D Gukesh has emerged as a strong contender for the title, marking the first time in a decade that an Indian has been in contention for the prestigious championship. With one round remaining, Gukesh finds himself in the sole lead, teetering on the brink of making history by potentially becoming the first teenager to win the tournament.
Excitement and anticipation are running high as Gukesh stands on the verge of securing a spot in the World Championship, where he would face off against Ding Liren later this year. However, the final round promises to be filled with drama, as Gukesh’s lead is narrow, with a chasing pack of formidable players – including Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, and Ian Nepomniachtchi – just half a point behind him.
Gukesh’s steady performance throughout the tournament has garnered praise, with observers noting his tenacity and composure in the face of intense competition. Despite the pressure, Gukesh remains focused on giving his best performance in the final round, acknowledging the nerves but maintaining a calm demeanor.
It’s 23.15 at night here in Canada and I am sitting alone in the press room. I am overwhelmed with emotions. Overwhelmed with what life is bringing my way. As my video of Gukesh’s vlog renders, as Amruta struggles to go back to sleep at 8.45 a.m. in the morning in India, as my… pic.twitter.com/84jCID2gTY
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) April 21, 2024
Challenges and Opportunities in the Final Round
As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, Gukesh faces both challenges and opportunities. While a draw against Nakamura in the final round could secure his position, the outcome of the game between Caruana and Nepomniachtchi could also play a crucial role. If the latter game results in a draw, Gukesh’s lead would likely be preserved, potentially leading to a historic victory.
Gukesh’s favorable pairings in the previous rounds have also worked in his favor, providing him with opportunities to gain crucial points against lower-ranked opponents. His strategic gameplay and ability to capitalize on his opponents’ mistakes have been instrumental in maintaining his lead.
What. A. Performance.@DGukesh defeats Alireza Firouzja to claim the SOLE LEAD ahead of tomorrow’s final round! 🇮🇳 #FIDECandidates pic.twitter.com/YfOSfVMDn6
— Chess.com (@chesscom) April 21, 2024
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In the women’s section of the tournament, China’s Tan Zhongyi has taken the sole lead, positioning herself as a strong contender for the World Championship title. Meanwhile, India’s R Vaishali continues to impress with her consistent performance, securing her fourth consecutive victory and remaining tied for third place in the standings.
🇮🇳 Gukesh D (2743) defeats 🇫🇷 Alireza Firouzja (2760), reaches a score of 8.5/13 and heads into the final round of the #FIDECandidates as the sole leader.
Ian Nepomniachtchi (2758) and 🇺🇸 Hikaru Nakamura (2789) are trailing him by half a point. Will 🇺🇸 Fabiano Caruana beat 🇮🇳… pic.twitter.com/dcmEu2rUY6
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) April 21, 2024
As the final round approaches, all eyes are on Gukesh as he vies for victory in one of the most prestigious events in the world of chess. If he manages to clinch the title, it will not only be a historic moment for Indian chess but also a testament to his skill and determination on the global stage.
