New Delhi: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh honored his Chinese rival Ding Liren after securing his inaugural World Chess Championship title on Thursday. Gukesh triumphed over Liren with a score of 7.5-6.5 in the 2024 World Chess Championship match held in Singapore.
Liren entered the tournament having won only one classical game since the start of the year, while also dealing with mental health struggles and depression. He started the competition with a victory in the opening game, but it was Gukesh’s determination and his willingness to take bold chances that ultimately secured the Indian’s groundbreaking title win.
Celebrating the win D Gukesh lifted the trophy, WATCH the VIDEO BELOW:
The new World Champion… Gukesh D! #DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/Y6tbl0CwPh
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 13, 2024
Gukesh referred to Liren as a “true champion.” “We all know who Ding is, and he has been one of the best players in history for several years. And to see him struggling and see how much he had to face. The kind of fight he gave in this match, it shows what a true champion he is. No matter who says what, for me, Ding is the real world champion. In this match, champions, they always step up to the moment,” Gukesh shared during Thursday’s post-match press conference.
