Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh could not believe on Thursday evening that he had become the youngest World Champion at 18 years old! Tears of joy were seen in his eyes. 

After defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China in the 14th and last game, D Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest World Champion. Gukesh secured the requisite 7.5 points against 6.5 of Liren after winning the last classical time control game of the 14th game match, which seemed headed for a draw for most of the match. 

As the title winner, he will get a major share of the USD 2.5 million prize purse. The reticent teenager grinned widely and raised his arms in celebration after the triumph, a stark contrast from the poker face he usually sports while playing.

Before Gukesh's feat on Thursday, the legendary Garry Kasparov of Russia was the youngest world champion. He won the title at the age of 22, dethroning Anatoly Karpov in 1985.

Gukesh had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.

He is the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the global title. Anand, a five-time world champion, had last held the title in 2013 before going down to Magnus Carlsen.

Gukesh, who won the 14th game against Liren after 58 moves in four hours, is the 18th world chess champion overall.