Before D Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand was the only Indian to win the Candidates (2014).
D Gukesh, the champion chess contestant, paid tribute to the legendary Viswanathan Anand for playing an important role in shaping his career. He said: “I would never have been as close to where I am today without him.”
The 17-year-old Grandmaster made history on Monday by winning the Toronto tournament to become the youngest challenger for the world title, breaking a record held by the legendary Garry Kasparov 40 years ago.
The triumph paved the way for Gukesh’s clash against reigning world champion Ding Liren of China later this year.
“Vishy sir has been a great inspiration to me and I have benefited greatly from his academy. I am truly grateful to him and I would not have been close to where I am now without him,” Gukesh said at a press conference in Chennai, hours after arriving to an enthusiastic reception from fans and comrades class.
Gukesh trained at the Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy which was created in 2020. Moreover, before Gukesh, Anand was the only Indian to have won the Candidates (2014).
Talking about his much-anticipated clash against Liren, Gukesh said, “The biggest challenge against Ding would be how to prepare myself and be in the right frame of mind since it will be a big match.
“There are a lot of expectations and a lot of issues. I have full confidence in myself and I will go there with the same strategy. Hopefully this will go well.
The history-making teenager was overwhelmed as he returned to a rousing reception early this morning.
Hundreds of students from Velammal Vidyalaya, the school where Gukesh studies, lined up at the airport before his plane landed to welcome him.
“I am happy to see what the victory means for the country. I was delighted to see young children full of energy and cheering me on as soon as I arrived in Chennai. It’s really special and it means a lot to me,” he said.
