In a stunning display of preparation, resilience, and talent, 17-year-old Indian GM Gukesh Dommaraju has emerged victorious in the 2024 FIDE Candidates tournament, securing his place in chess history as the youngest-ever Challenger to face Ding Liren for the World title!

Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Gukesh’s triumph came after a series of intense battles on the chessboard, culminating in a strategic draw over his experienced competitor Hikaru Nakamura in the final round. Fabiano Caruana failed to convert his winning position into a point against Ian Nepomniachtchi, which left Gukesh room for just a draw to clinch first!

Hikaru Nakamura opted for 1. d4, prompting Gukesh to initiate the Queen’s Gambit accepted. Initially skeptical, Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World No. 1, openly expressed his disapproval, stating that he “hates” Gukesh’s choice of moves. However, as the opening unfolded, Carlsen quickly revised his opinion, acknowledging the young player’s preparation and talent.

Fabiano Caruana missed many great chances to win his game against Ian Nepomniachtchi and move to the tiebreaks. Unfortunately, time wasn’t his friend to spoil his position and jeopardize a precious half point.

With nerves of steel and maturity on and off board, Gukesh navigated through a field of top-tier players, including two former Challengers Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi, to claim the coveted title against Ding Liren. His victory not only solidifies his status as one of the brightest talents in the world of chess but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players everywhere.

As the chess world celebrates Gukesh’s groundbreaking victory, anticipation mounts for his future endeavors on the international stage.

Chinese GM Tan Zhongyi clinches victory in the Women’s FIDE Candidates 2024 after drawing her game against Anna Muzychuk in Round 14, with an impressive score of 9/14! Now, she’s ready to take on Ju Wenjun for the champion title!

Come back later for the full report.

Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

In the 2024 FIDE Candidates tournament, 17-year-old Indian GM Gukesh D. seizes the lead after defeating Alireza Firouzja in a thrilling match. With experienced players like Caruana, Nakamura, and Nepomniachtchi trailing closely behind by just half a point, the competition is heating up as the final round approaches.

Michal_Walusza

The FIDE Candidates tournament remains shrouded in uncertainty as Round 13 unfolds. While pivotal outcomes emerged in the penultimate round, the ultimate victor hangs in the balance as the final showdown approaches.

Gukesh emerges as the frontrunner, securing a commanding lead following a decisive victory over Firouzja, with Caruana, Nakamura, and Nepomniachtchi in close pursuit, trailing by a mere half-point. Anticipation surges as Nakamura gears up to challenge Gukesh in the ultimate clash, while Caruana squares off against Nepomniachtchi in what promises to be an electrifying finale, poised to make this edition of the Candidates one for the history books.

Hikaru Nakamura reflected on the high stakes, remarking, “Tomorrow is the only one (round) that you actually do pay attention (to the other games). If someone wins a game, then you have to go crazy... Tomorrow is the one day when I think everyone is going to be looking at the other games.”

Fabiano Caruana echoed Nakamura’s urgency, emphasizing, “I absolutely have to win tomorrow, and Ian has to go for a win as well. There is nothing else. Gukesh is the only one who should try to hold; the rest of us have to win at all costs. It is a very strange situation. I don’t think I have seen a tournament finish quite like this.”

Meanwhile, the two-time Challenger, Ian Nepomniachtchi, strategized for his upcoming match, noting, “I am having black tomorrow. I am a bit short on options, but I also think Fabiano would only need a win. It will be an interesting game anyway.”

In contrast, the 17-year-old sensation, Gukesh D., remained composed, affirming, “I will go (to the last round) with the same strategy: try and play a good game. I have managed so far, and hopefully, tomorrow as well, I will be able to follow the plan.” Despite acknowledging the challenges of his youth and relative inexperience, Gukesh expressed confidence in his ability to stay focused, highlighting the advantages of his age in such a demanding tournament.

Who is going to be the next Challenger?

As the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament enters its penultimate stage, the competition intensifies with three grandmasters sharing the lead. GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, GM Hikaru Nakamura, and GM Gukesh Dommaraju stand at the forefront, each vying for a chance to challenge World Champion Ding Liren.

Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Nakamura’s impressive performance, highlighted by a hat trick against GM Alireza Firouzja, propelled him into contention alongside Gukesh, who secured a crucial victory against GM Nijat Abasov. Meanwhile, Nepomniachtchi’s draw against GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu ensured a deadlock at the top.

With just two rounds remaining, the tension mounts as four players remain in contention for the coveted title. GM Fabiano Caruana lurks just half a point behind the leaders after a decisive victory over GM Vidit Gujrathi.

Nakamura’s surge in form presents a compelling narrative, with statistical trends favoring his bid for victory. Since 2013, every winner of the Candidates Tournament has boasted the highest number of wins. Nakamura’s five victories thus far position him as a formidable contender, with Gukesh closely trailing with four wins, while Nepomniachtchi and Caruana have secured three wins each.

Furthermore, Nakamura’s feat of securing five consecutive decisive results marks a historic achievement in the annals of the FIDE Candidates Tournament, underscoring his momentum and determination.

At the press conference, Nakamura emphasized the significance of experience in navigating the grueling tournament environment, acknowledging the seasoned pedigree shared by himself, Caruana, and Nepomniachtchi. Caruana echoed this sentiment, attributing the ultimate victor’s success to nerves and a dose of luck.

Gukesh emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and delivering strong performances in the crucial final rounds, recognizing the pivotal role of consistent and strategic play.

As the tournament reaches its climax, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion, where nerves of steel and strategic acumen will determine the fate of the contenders. With the race for victory heating up, chess enthusiasts worldwide await the unfolding drama of the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament.

The latest round of the 2024 FIDE Candidates witnessed a pivotal clash between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Vidit Gujrathi, culminating in a marathon battle. Nepomniachtchi emerged victorious in what proved to be the longest and arguably most critical game of the round, maintaining his edge over his competitors by half a point.

Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Throughout the competition, Nepomniachtchi has demonstrated a remarkable ability to stay a step ahead of his rivals, consistently asserting his dominance on the board. His eleventh game against GM Vidit Gujrathi though, didn’t prove to be an easy one to conquer.

The game, played in the Petroff Defense, saw Vidit presented with two golden opportunities to secure victory. However, as the clock ticked down towards move 40, with only a limited time extension imminent, he was unable to capitalize on these chances. The tension mounted over the grueling five and a half hours of play, ultimately culminating in Vidit’s defeat in a highly intricate endgame.

For Vidit, the loss proved to be a bitter pill to swallow, adding to a series of missed opportunities throughout the tournament. Every emotion, from Vidit’s disappointment to Nepomniachtchi’s disbelief, was palpable in the moment captured by the lens of photographer Michał Walusza, echoing the intense drama of a Renaissance painting.

Conversely, Nepomniachtchi faced a rare challenge to his lead in the Candidates Tournament, reigniting his determination for a historic third consecutive title. Such an accomplishment would undoubtedly solidify his legacy as one of the greatest Candidates player of all time, further fueling his resolve for victory in the remaining rounds.

As the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament continues to unfold, each move and every decision carries immense weight, shaping the destiny of the players vying for supremacy on the global stage of chess. The drama, tension, and excitement of this elite competition serve as a testament to the enduring allure and unforgiving nature of the game.