July 1st 2024.
Delhi, India: Despite India's efforts to secure a home World Championships match for chess prodigy D Gukesh, it was ultimately Singapore who claimed the hosting rights for the premier chess contest. This highly anticipated match will pit the youngest Challenger in history against defending champion Ding Liren from China.
The Tamil Nadu government and All India Chess Federation had both submitted bids to FIDE, the world chess body, in hopes of bringing the match to either Delhi or Chennai. However, after careful consideration and evaluation of the potential host cities, FIDE announced that Singapore had been chosen to host the match which will offer a prize money of $2.5 million. The match is scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 15 of this year.
In a statement, FIDE expressed their excitement over the decision, saying, "We are pleased to announce that for the first time in FIDE's history, the World Championship Match will be held in Singapore. Not only is Singapore a renowned global tourist and business hub, but it is also a thriving chess center with a great pool of talent and ambition." FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich further expressed his gratitude towards the other bidders, New Delhi and Chennai, acknowledging their rich history of hosting chess events and their potential for future events.
D Gukesh, the 17-year-old chess prodigy, made history earlier this year by becoming the youngest ever Challenger to the world title after winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in April. His achievement surpassed the 40-year-old record held by legendary chess player Garry Kasparov. FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky also shared his excitement for the upcoming match, stating, "Chess is not just a popular game and sport; it is often seen as the epitome of the human mind's ability to think strategically, to plan, and to foresee. Singapore embodies these same qualities and we are confident that it will be a great host for this great match."
While India's bid may have been unsuccessful this time, there is no doubt that the country remains a prominent chess hub with a deep-rooted history of hosting major chess events. It is clear that both Delhi and Chennai will continue to play a significant role in the world of chess in the future. The news of Singapore hosting the World Championship Match has sparked excitement and anticipation among chess enthusiasts worldwide, and it is sure to be a memorable event for all involved.
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