MUMBAI: For several years before Ding Liren became the 17th world chess champion last year, D Gukesh's laptop wallpaper featured the faces of the previous 16. With the 18-year-old crowned as the 18th on Thursday, it is only now starting to sink in for the youngest world champion.
"Now that I think of it, that I'm part of this amazing group of players, it's a huge honour for me," Gukesh said in a video interview with FIDE in Singapore after beating Ding for the title. "But I think I still have a long way to go to achieve the kind of greatness Vishy sir (Viswanathan Anand), Magnus (Carlsen) and all these players have."
That Gukesh is a humble champion has been for all to see. The teenaged Indian got up to applaud his Chinese opponent after Ding was done talking in the post-match press conference moments after his championship ended. When it was his turn to speak, Gukesh appreciated the fight from Ding and made it clear that the title notwithstanding, he didn't think he was the best in the world.
"That is Magnus Carlsen," he had said.
This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Noida.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Noida.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Like Tendulkar is for cricket, Zakir Hussain was for classical music'
As the world of Indian classical music mourns Ustad Zakir Hussain, who died on December 15, few feel the loss as deeply as musician Aditya Kalyanpur.
WHY INDIA LOVES BRAND AYUSHMANN KHURRANA
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is considered one of India's most relatable youth icons, something that is reflected in the diverse brands he endorses.
When Chay flew to Mumbai
Following their wedding on December 4, actor-couple Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have opened up about their relationship for the first time.
Grit in the tail frustrates the hosts, India avoid follow-on
Like in 2021, there was defiance in the damp air of Gabba as Deep and Bumrah steer India towards a likely draw on Day 4
New Zealand crush England by 423 runs to send retiring Southee out on a high
HAMILTON: New Zealand tore through England's batting on Tuesday to crush the visitors by 423 runs in the third Test and send Tim Southee into retirement on a triumphant note.
Jhulan Goswami stand: Another historic moment at Eden Gardens
KOLKATA: At 6.58 pm on a misty winter evening near the Eden Gardens change rooms, Jhulan Goswami took the stage. And said she was speechless.
DDCA head Jaitley calls it mandate for hard work
Newly elected president of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Rohan Jaitley on Tuesday promised to build a new cricket stadium in the capital and address the selection controversies surrounding the senior and age-group teams.
PRITHVI SHAW NOW AXED FROM MUMBAI VIJAY HAZARE SQUAD
MUMBAI: In a forgettable season, Prithvi Shaw received another jolt when the Mumbai selectors ignored his superb record in List A cricket by dropping him from the squad for the upcoming 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament.
Hayley shines, WI level series with big victory
The visiting skipper hit a 47-ball 85* after taking 2 wickets to help the Caribbean women level the 3-match T20 series
Smartphone sales fall below covid-era highs
India's $40-billion-plus smartphone economy is likely to continue below the demand in the pandemic era, raising concerns around how the market can revive itself.
