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 Pune.
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 Pune.
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
Jhanak Shukla marries longtime beau Swapnil
Former actor Jhanak Shukla, best known for her roles as a child artiste in the television show Karishma Kaa Karishma and Kal Ho Naa Ho (both 2003), tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, engineer Swapnil Suryawanshi on December 12.
Kriti spotted at Kabir's family wedding, fans wonder if they are next
Earlier this year, actor Kriti Sanon sparked rumors of her relationship with UK-based entrepreneur Kabir Bahia.
Doing roles that I've never done before is very exciting
Actor Kunal Kapoor has a lot to look forward to. His upcoming projects include Nitish Tiwary's Ramayana, whose shoot was recently wrapped up, as well as the Tamil film Vishvambhara, where he'd star alongside actor-politician Chiranjeevi.
Zakir Hussain matlab tabla: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia on Ustad's death
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, the legendary classical flautist and music director, is unable to believe that Ustad Zakir Hussain has passed away at \"such a young age\", he tells HT City.
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.
How the challenge of batting in Oz changed
KOOKABURRA RELEASED A REDESIGNED BALL FOR TESTS IN 2021 THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE THE GAME MORE EXCITING, BUT IT HAS ONLY MADE BATTING MORE DIFFICULT
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 6.58pm 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.
