Chennai

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh received a hero's welcome upon return to the country as fans swamped the Chennai airport, waiting to catch a glimpse of the youngest challenger to the world title, following his triumph at the Candidates Chess Tournament in Toronto. 

Advertisment

The 17-year-old chess prodigy was greeted by hundreds of students from the Velammal Vidyalaya, the school where he studies. The crowd gathered an hour before his plane landed at 3 am and was immediately flanked from all sides as some garlanded the teenager. 

"I feel very happy for this homecoming, this is a special achievement. I was in a good space since the beginning of the tournament, I had full confidence that I will emerge top in this tournament and luck was on my side as well," Gukesh told media at the airport. 

"It's good to see so many people enjoy chess...I thank the Tamil Nadu government. I thank my Appa, Amma, coach, friends, family, sponsor and my school for being alongside me and playing an amazing role in helping me win this tournament," he added.

Advertisment

×

×

Gukesh won the Candidates after drawing the final round against USA's Hikaru Nakamura after 14 rounds, spread across three weeks.

Advertisment

Prior to the match, Gukesh needed a win against Nakamura to win the tournament but a draw between Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi meant a draw against the American was enough for the tournament victory.

Watch | India: Meet the man behind D Gukesh's meteoric rise

×

The Indian star had entered the tournament as the third youngest behind legends Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen. Gukesh, however, went one step up to win the whole tournament despite not being considered a favourite to win the tournament by many.

The youngster has a short turnaround as he gears to face Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren, 14 years older than him, at the World Championship match in two weeks time. 

(With inputs from agencies)