Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has created history by becoming the youngest world chess champion at 18 years defeating China's defending Champion Ding Liren in the 14th and last game of a roller-coaster showdown on December 12.
Gukesh took the requisite 7.5 points against 6.5 of Liren after winning the last classical time control game of the 14-game match that seemed headed for a draw for the most part. After winning the title, India star will get a major share of the USD 2.5 million prize purse.
"I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realised the dream (and made it) into reality," the soft-spoken Chennai lad told reporters after the historic triumph here.
"I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on," he added.
The calm and composed teenager grinned widely and raised his arms in celebration after the win.
Before Gukesh's feat on Thursday, the legendary Garry Kasparov of Russia was the youngest world champion when he won the title at the age of 22, dethroning Anatoly Karpov in 1985.
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Gukesh had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.
Soon after Gukesh's win, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took his 'X' formerly known as Twitter to praise the youngest chess world champion.
"Historic and exemplary! Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination. His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours" wrote PM Modi.
He is the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the global title. Anand, a five-time world champion, had last held the title in 2013 before going down to Magnus Carlsen.
"Every chess player wants to live this dream. I am living my dream," said Gukesh.
Gukesh, who won the 14th game against Liren after 58 moves in four hours, is the 18th world chess champion overall.
If Thursday's game was also drawn, the winner was to be decided in shorter duration tie-breaks on Friday.
Gukesh had won the third and 11th rounds before Thursday's decisive game, while the 32-year-old Liren emerged victorious in the opening and 12th games.
All other games were drawn in the match.
