The much-anticipated Fide World Chess Championship 2024 kicks off on Monday, in Singapore, pitting India’s rising star, Dommaraju Gukesh against the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China.

Let’s take a close look at the contenders.

Prodigy on the rise

Dommaraju Gukesh, 18, is the youngest and arguably the most accomplished of India’s golden generation of super prodigies.

He became the world’s third-youngest grandmaster at just 12 years, seven months, and 17 days.

Earlier this year, Gukesh achieved a historic milestone by winning the Candidates tournament on his debut — the youngest ever to do so — a feat unmatched by legends like Magnus Carlsen, Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer or Viswanathan Anand.

The Candidates, featuring eight top grandmasters, determine the challenger for the World Championship title.

Gukesh’s meteoric rise signals an extraordinary talent, and despite his youth, his consistent performance has already marked him as a potential great in the history of the game.

Once a force

Ding claimed the title in 2023 after a gripping match against Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Known for his impenetrable defence and deep strategic understanding, Ding was a dominant force in world chess. He maintained a top-five ranking from 2018 to 2024 and achieved a career-high rating of 2816 during a 100-game unbeaten streak in2017–2018.

However, since his World Championship win, Ding has struggled with form. His rating has dropped from 2780 to 2728, and his world ranking has slipped to No. 23.

Ding’s challenges

Ding’s struggles extend beyond the chessboard. Since his championship victory, he has openly battled mental health issues, including depression and insomnia, which have sapped his motivation and passion for the game.

As captain of the victorious Indian team during the 2024 Chess Olympiad, I had the opportunity to witness both the players up close. Ding displayed visible signs of anxiety — physical trembling and involuntary belching during intense, high-pressure moments — indicating a player under immense psychological strain.

All in the mind

In terms of head-to-head in classical chess, Ding leads with two wins and one draw. If Ding were at his peak, he might be the favourite against Gukesh, despite the latter’s youthful momentum.

However, with Ding’s recent struggles and Gukesh’s rise, the dynamics favour the latter.

At the 2024 Olympiad, India faced China in Round VII. The Gukesh versus Ding match was one of the most anticipated encounters. China threw a surprise by benching Ding, which to me felt like a display of lack of confidence.

With all the other three games drawn, Gukesh scored a decisive win against the Chinese No. 1 Wei Yi, securing a crucial win for India.

This game, according to me, was a clear statement by Gukesh. Wei Yi is also a good friend of Ding and a long-term member of his team.

This match had echoes of the 2013 World Championship, where 23-year-old Magnus Carlsen, at the height of his powers, defeated 44-year-old Viswanathan Anand, whose form had waned.

Gukesh, like Carlsen, combines peak momentum with youthful hunger, making him the likely favourite. Like the 2013 match, Gukesh also begins the first game with the White pieces.

Prediction

The opening games will set the tone for the match, testing both players’ readiness and mental resilience.

If Gukesh maintains focus and manages the weight of expectations, he has a real chance to create history as the youngest world champion ever, reclaiming the title India lost in 2013.