'Will try to be at my absolute best': Candidates winner D Gukesh sets his eye on the World Championship

India's 17-year-old Grandmaster D Gukesh scripted history by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament here to become the youngest-ever challenger to the world title.

He will take on the reigning world champion, China's Ding Liren, for the crown later this year.

Gukesh accumulated nine out of a possible 14 points here after drawing his final-round game against American Hikaru Nakamura.

He became only the second Indian after the great Viswanathan Anand to win the Candidates. Five-time world champion Anand's triumph came in 2014.

PM Modi lauded his "extraordinary talent and dedication" and said "his outstanding performance and journey to the top inspires millions

India is exceptionally proud of @DGukesh on becoming the youngest-ever player to win the #FIDECandidates!

Gukesh's remarkable achievement at the Candidates in Toronto showcases his extraordinary talent and dedication.

His outstanding performance and journey to the top… pic.twitter.com/pfNhhRj7W2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2024

After being crowned as the FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024 champion, India's 17-year-old Grandmaster said he is aiming to win the World Champion

BIG EXCLUSIVE | D Gukesh talks exclusively to PTI after becoming the youngest World Championship Challenger in Toronto, Canada.

"The focus from the beginning of the tournament was to trust the process, to be in the right mindset and play the right Chess. I think throughout the… pic.twitter.com/1qYoU9Ul86

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 22, 2024

Gukesh became only the second Indian player to win the Candidates Tournament, after Viswanathan Anand. Five-time world champion Anand's victory came in 2014.