Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh on Thursday thanked the great Vishwanathan Anand for playing a big role in shaping his career, saying, “If it were not for him I would not be even close to what I am today.” The 17-year-old grandmaster made history on Monday by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto and becoming the youngest challenger for the world title, breaking the record set by the great Garry Kasparov 40 years ago. The win paved the way for Gukesh to face defending world champion Ding Liren of China later this year.
“Vishy sir has been a huge inspiration for me and I have benefited a lot from his academy. I am really grateful to him and if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today,” Gukesh said at an event. A press conference was held a few hours after his arrival, where fans and classmates gave him a warm welcome.
Gukesh has trained at the Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy which came into existence in 2020. Incidentally, before Gukesh, Anand was the only Indian to win the Candidates, the last time being in 2014.
Talking about his much-awaited clash against Liren, Gukesh said, “The biggest challenge against Ding will be how I prepare myself and stay in the right mental frame as it will be a big match.
“There are a lot of expectations and a lot at stake. I have full confidence in myself and I will move forward with the same strategy. Hopefully it will work out well.” The history-making teenager was mobbed by fans as he returned to a rousing reception early this morning.
Hundreds of students from Velammal Vidyalaya, the school where Gukesh studies, stood at the airport at least an hour before his flight was due to land to welcome him.
He said, “I am happy to see what this win means for the country. When I reached Chennai, I was very happy to see the young kids full of energy and supporting me. It is really special and for me means a lot.”
His mother Padma, a microbiologist, was at the airport to receive him. His father Rajinikanth had traveled to Toronto with Gukesh.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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