World Chess Championship 2024: Gukesh and Ding Liren Face Off as Google Celebrates with a Doodle

 World Chess Championship 2024: Gukesh and Ding Liren Set for Historic Clash in Singapore

World Chess Championship 2024: Gukesh Takes on Ding Liren in Historic Final

The much-anticipated World Chess Championship 2024 begins today, November 25, at the prestigious Aquarium Hotel in World Sentosa, Singapore. The final showdown will see reigning world champion Ding Liren of China defend his title against India’s young chess sensation, D. Gukesh.

Singapore secured the hosting rights for the event with a winning bid of ₹20.86 crore ($2.5 million), surpassing applications from India. The Indian government had proposed New Delhi, while Tamil Nadu nominated Chennai. Singapore’s successful bid marks a significant moment, bringing the world’s most prestigious chess event to Southeast Asia.

The championship will feature 14 rounds, with tie-breakers employed if the scores remain tied. Players earn 1 point for a win and 0.5 points for a draw. The first to reach 7.5 points will claim the world title. If a tie persists after 14 rounds, the winner will be determined through faster time-control games.

This year’s final is historic, as it marks the first time two Asian players will compete for the World Chess Championship title. Gukesh, just 18 years old, is aiming to make history by becoming only the second Indian to claim the coveted title. If he succeeds, he will join the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who has been crowned world champion five times.

All eyes are on Gukesh, whose meteoric rise in the chess world has drawn admiration and heightened expectations. Defeating Ding Liren, a formidable opponent known for his composure and tactical brilliance, will be no easy task.

Adding to the excitement, Google has marked the occasion with a special doodle celebrating the championship. Fans worldwide are eagerly watching this monumental clash of minds, as it promises to be a thrilling encounter between experience and youthful ambition.

The tournament runs for 11 days, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. As Gukesh takes on the reigning champion, he carries not only the hopes of his nation but also the weight of history on his shoulders.