New Delhi: India's efforts to secure a home World Championship match for D Gukesh came to nought with Singapore pipping Delhi and Chennai to claim hosting rights for the premier chess contest against defending champion Ding Liren from China.
The Tamil Nadu government and All India Chess Federation (AICF) had submitted separate bids to FIDE, the world chess body.
The championship, which will offer a prize money of $2.5 million, will be held between November 20 and December 15.
"After reviewing the bids and inspecting all potential host cities for their venues, amenities, event programs, and opportunities, the International Chess Federation has selected Singapore as the host of the World Championship Match," FIDE said in a release.
The 17-year-old Gukesh had made history by winning the Candidates Chess Tournament in April to become the youngest-ever Challenger to the world title, bettering legendary Garry Kasparov's 40-year-old record.
"We placed our best possible bids, but it didn't come in our favour. There's no guarantee that we would have won. We value the competition, so that's alright; nothing wrong with it. We're happy that India gave two bids," said AICF secretary Dev A Patel.
FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich said they are "delighted" that Singapore will host a World Championship match for the first time.
"Not only is Singapore one of the most iconic global tourist and business hubs, but it is also a thriving chess centre with great ambitions and talent," Dvorkovich was quoted as saying in a release.
"I would also like to thank the other bidders New Delhi and Chennai. Both cities are renowned chess hubs with a rich history of hosting chess events, and we are confident we will see major chess events there in the future," Dvorkovich continued.
The AICF was "disappointed" at not winning the bid but the national governing body said it was proud of the effort made to bring the big-ticket event to the country.
"While we are naturally a little disappointed that our bid did not succeed, we are proud of the robust and compelling proposals put forth by us," AICF president Nitin Narang stated in a release.
Narang said they will support Gukesh to the hilt in the match.
"We are confident that Singapore will deliver an outstanding championship, and we look forward to supporting our player, D Gukesh, as he competes for the title on the global stage," Narang added.
