After D. Gukesh became the world champion, billionaire owner of X Elon Musk sent condolences to the Indian chess master. Celebrating his accomplishment, Gukesh went to X saying, “18th @ 18!” stressing the incredible mark at such a young age. “Congratulations!” Musk said in response to Gukesh’s post, a straightforward yet heartfelt note. 

World C’ship Decided Not Just By Chess But Also With Better Character And Willpower: Gukesh

New chess world champion D Gukesh is hardly perturbed by the criticism over the standard of his match against China’s Ding Liren, saying big matches are not decided purely by how well a game is played but also by willpower and character, which he possesses in ample measure.

Gukesh, 18, trumped the Chinese in the 14-game contest, winning 7.5-6.5 to become the youngest world champion in the history of the sport.

Former world champions Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik were not impressed with the quality of games on display in the World Championship that concluded on Thursday.

Carlsen said the match looked like a second round or third round match of an open tournament while Kramnik called it the “end of chess as we know it.” Asked if he was hurt by Carlsen’s comments, Gukesh told BBC World, “Not really”.

Liren committed a basic mistake to surrender his crown, something that invited criticism.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, though, said mistakes by players make the sport exciting.

Legendary Indian Viswanathan Anand also advised Gukesh to not think about the criticism.

(PTI)