Over the demanding three weeks of chess, Gukesh, then seventeen, hardly shown any emotion at all. The youngster from Chennai, who on Monday became the first-ever contender for the World Chess Championship, was pictured grinning when he heard Toronto supporters chanting his name.
At the World Championships, Gukesh will compete against Dang Liren.
The crowd outside the arena erupted in deafening ovation for Gukesh in the footage that went viral on social media. Gukesh heard the chanting of “Gukesh, Gukesh!” and couldn’t help but smile.
In the interview, Gukesh was asked, “How do you feel?”
“Wonderful! I am simply so relieved right now. The child remarked, “I was watching this Nepo game,” in reference to the 109-move encounter that ended in a tie between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana.
“At the moment, all I feel is relief. The past three weeks have been incredible. I’m just really delighted right now,” Gukesh remarked.
Following his draw against Hikaru Nakamura in the Candidates chess tournament final round, Gukesh became the youngest winner of the event and, consequently, the youngest player to compete at the World Chess Championship. He was the second-youngest player to ever compete in the prestigious Candidates tournament.
It’s really lovely. My objective has always been to compete in the world championship and take home the title of world champion. I am truly appreciative of the opportunity I have been given now that I have it. Truly excited to participate in it,” he remarked.
The adolescent also had a unique message for her followers in India and Toronto.
“I was receiving a lot of love and support from everyone who was rooting for me during the game. It has great meaning for me. It provided me with the extra energy I required. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped me,” he stated.
