The End of Chess? Kramnik's Controversial Take on Gukesh's Victory

In a stunning turn of events, 18-year-old D Gukesh has made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, defeating titleholder Ding Liren in a tense Game 14 of the championship. While Gukesh's achievement is celebrated, former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik has sparked controversy with his harsh critique of the match's quality, calling it the “End of chess as we know it.”

A Historic Win

Gukesh's victory marks a significant milestone, as he surpasses Garry Kasparov, who held the title at 22 years old. Gukesh's win came after Ding Liren faltered under pressure, making a blunder in a position that many commentators deemed favorable. The final score of 7.5-6.5 encapsulates a hard-fought match that, despite its outcome, has left some in the chess community questioning the nature of modern chess.

Kramnik's Critique

Kramnik did not hold back in his assessment of the championship. In a post on X, he expressed his dismay: “No comment. Sad. End of chess as we know it.” He criticized Ding’s decisive mistake as “childish,” claiming that never before had a World Championship title been decided by such a blunder. His comments have ignited discussions about the evolving standards of play in elite chess.


Earlier in the tournament, Kramnik had voiced his disappointment regarding the quality of games. After Game 6, he lamented, “Frankly, I am very disappointed by today’s game. It was really weak play from both players.” His sentiment reflects a longing for the strategic depth that characterized chess in previous eras, emphasizing that he expects more than mere calculation from world-class players.


A New Era in Chess
Kramnik's remarks raise an essential question: Are we witnessing a shift in the landscape of chess? With advancements in technology and the rise of rapid and blitz formats, traditional long-form chess may be evolving. As players adapt to new training methods and strategies, the essence of the game might be changing—leaving some purists, like Kramnik, concerned about the future.


Conclusion
While Gukesh's victory is undoubtedly a landmark achievement that should be celebrated, the discourse surrounding the quality of play in the championship reflects broader issues within the chess community. Kramnik’s critiques remind us that as the game evolves, so too does the conversation about excellence in chess. As we look forward, it will be interesting to see how the next generation of players navigates this complex landscape, balancing innovation and the rich traditions of the game.chess

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