Russian chess maestro Garry Kasparov likened the emergence of teen Grandmaster D Gukesh as the youngest-ever challenger for the world title to "the Indian earthquake in Toronto," heralding a seismic shift in the global chess arena.
At just 17 years old, Gukesh shattered the record previously held by Kasparov himself, who at 22, became the youngest challenger in 1984, facing off against Anatoly Karpov, his fellow Russian.
Kasparov lauded Gukesh's achievement, noting the significance of the event in chess history. "Congratulations! The Indian earthquake in Toronto is the culmination of the shifting tectonic plates in the chess world as the 17 year old Gukesh D will face the Chinese champion Ding Liren for the highest title," Kasparov Said, subtly alluding to the past dominance of Russian players.
Gukesh secured his place in history by securing an easy draw with American player Hikaru Nakamura in the final round of the tournament, finishing with an impressive nine out of a possible 14 points. This victory earns him the opportunity to face reigning world champion Ding Liren of China later in the year.
Acknowledging the role of India's five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in nurturing a vibrant chess culture in the country, Kasparov remarked, "The 'children' of Vishy Anand are on the loose!"
Responding to the congratulatory messages flooding in, including one from the Grand Chess Tour, Kasparov emphasized the growing influence of countries like China and India in the chess world. He pointed out the rising prominence of junior players from the USA and England with Chinese and Indian backgrounds, indicating a broader global enthusiasm for chess.
Kasparov, whose own legacy in chess is unparalleled, also highlighted the role of the Kasparov Chess Foundation in nurturing this rising wave of talent, suggesting that Gukesh's success will further elevate the sport's global appeal.
A towering figure in the chess world, Kasparov's career was marked by his dominance as world champion for nearly a decade and his subsequent contributions to the sport, including the establishment of the Professional Chess Association after a dispute with FIDE.
