History will see this as a pivotal moment: Carlsen

Former world champion Magnus Carlsen believes that 18-year-old D Gukesh, being crowned youngest-ever undisputed world chess champion is a pivotal moment in chess and could potentially be the beginning of something interesting.

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"It's been quite a memorable World Championship with lots of interesting moments," the five-time world champion said on Take Take Take app. "Ding (Liren) had a very real chance to win it, so in terms of that it was a success since it was a very interesting contest. I think we will remember the implications of Gukesh winning more than the final game. History will see this as a pivotal moment and as potentially the start of something very interesting."

Carlsen chose to relinquish his world title, choosing not to defend it in 2022. It opened up the path for Ding to compete in the match against Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2023. Carlsen said he was moved by Gukesh's emotions after his win and just to see how deeply the Indian teen was fuelled by this singular dream of becoming world champion.