In an extraordinary display of talent and composure, 17-year-old Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju has taken the sole lead in the prestigious 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament with just one round remaining. After exacting revenge against GM Alireza Firouzja in round 13, Gukesh now stands alone at the summit, leaving seasoned campaigners like GMs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana trailing by half a point.
A Prodigy Defying Expectations
Gukesh’s remarkable performance in the Candidates Tournament has defied all expectations. Before the event, few prognosticators had predicted the youngest participant to emerge victorious at the tender age of 17. However, with his unwavering determination and exceptional talent, Gukesh has silenced doubters and positioned himself as the frontrunner to challenge for the ultimate prize – the World Championship title.
Closing in on Unprecedented Glory
Never in history has a teenager won the Candidates Tournament or become the undisputed world champion. Gukesh now finds himself on the cusp of an unprecedented achievement, poised to etch his name in the annals of chess history. His calm demeanor and mental fortitude have been instrumental in his success, allowing him to navigate the intense pressure of the tournament with remarkable poise.
Tan Zhongyi on the Verge of Women’s Title
In the 2024 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, GM Tan Zhongyi has taken a commanding lead with just one round remaining. A full point ahead of her closest rival, GM Lei Tingjie, Tan needs only a draw in the final round to secure her place in the next World Championship match, a remarkable feat in itself. As the chess world eagerly awaits the final round on Sunday, April 21, all eyes will be on Gukesh and Tan, two prodigies on the brink of etching their names in the annals of chess history. With the weight of expectations on their young shoulders, their performances will undoubtedly inspire generations of chess enthusiasts to come.
