Picture Credit: X
India’s D Gukesh secured the final spot at the prestigious FIDE Candidates tournament on Saturday, 30th December. The FIDE Candidates tournament is scheduled to take place in Toronto from April 2 to 24 next year. Notably, D Gukesh became the third Indian to qualify after Anish Giri failed to finish at the top of the standings in the FIDE World Blitz tournament at Samarkand in Uzbekistan.
It will be for the first time in the history that three Indians will feature in the FIDE Candidates. Apart from D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi are the other two Indians will be a part of the tournament. The International Chess Federation on Sunday, 31st December took to X to confirm Gukesh’s qualification. “It is official! Gukesh qualifies for the 2024 #FIDECandidates through the #FIDECircuit!”
It is to be noted that the FIDE Candidates will be played in round robin format. The winner of the Candidates will take on China’s Ding Liren in the next world chess championship.
Speaking of D Gukesh, the Indian along with the Dutch GM Giri, both were in the race for the last spot. GM Giri had to finish in the top three at the World Rapid Championship or win the World Blitz Championship, but failed to achieve either of them, paving way for D Gukesh.
While the FIDE Candidates will see three Indians for the first time ever, the Women’s Candidates tournament, will see Vaishali Rameshbabu feature in it. She would be likely joined by Koneru Humpy.
