Money isn't the reason I play chess, but means a lot: Gukesh

SINGAPORE: The "multi-millionaire" tag does "mean a lot" to new world champion D Gukesh, but he doesn't play the game for material gains but for that unbridled joy, which he has been able to retain since the time a chess board used to be the "coolest toy" for him.

- Agencies

Gukesh, the 18-year-old from Chennai, is now richer by Rs 11.45 crore, which he will receive from FIDE as prize money for beating Ding Liren of China in the final.

Gukesh's father, Rajnikanth, gave up his career as an ENT surgeon to accompany his son on the circuit, while mother Padmakumari, who is a microbiologist, became the sole earner of the family.