In a stunning upset, 16-year-old Abhimanyu Mishra has become the youngest player to beat a reigning world champion in a classical chess game. This remarkable achievement took place in Round 5 of the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament, where Mishra defeated D Gukesh. Mishra, who already holds the record for the youngest player to defeat a grandmaster, faced Gukesh in an Italian Opening. The game’s crucial point came on move 12, when Gukesh played g4, which shifted the balance. Mishra then seized the opportunity, initiating a bold piece sacrifice early in the middle game, putting significant pressure on Gukesh. Gukesh displayed resilience, but the complexity of the endgame demanded precision. After 61 intense moves, Mishra clinched the victory. Despite the historic win, Mishra remained focused on improvement. This victory not only surprised the chess community but also highlighted Mishra’s status as one of the most promising young talents in the world.
