NEW DELHI: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh marked his historic victory with a unique celebration by carefully placing his pieces back on the chessboard after clinching the world title.
In a gesture that displayed his respect for the game, he meticulously reset the pieces as a tribute to his journey, the challenges he overcame and the strategy that led him to become the youngest world chess champion.

The 18-year-old Gukesh was overcome with emotion, burying his face in his hands as he realised he had become the new world chess champion.
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Ding Liren slumped at the table, recognising the endgame blunder that had given his opponent a chance to seize victory.

Gukesh surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov, who won the title at age 22. He also became only the second Indian, after five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, to claim the world title.
Gukesh’s victory in the 14th game secured him 7.5 points, against Ding’s 6.5, marking the culmination of his extraordinary journey as the youngest-ever challenger for the world championship.
Magnanimous in his triumph, Gukesh praised Ding, acknowledging that he “fought like a true champion.”