Newspaper slammed for racist 'sambhar outwits chow mein' headline on D. Gukesh's win: 'This is sick, wrong on ever level'

D Gukesh made history on Thursday, becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old, after defeating China's reigning titleholder, Ding Liren. He became only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to claim the prestigious title. While the victory was widely celebrated, one newspaper's headline caught attention for its controversial phrasing, sparking backlash online with many labelling it as "straight up racist."

The Free Press Journal's headline on December 13, 2024, to cover D. Gukesh's historic chess win read, "Sambhar outwits chow mein."

When you hire an intern to write your headlines.
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While the intention may have been to be creative, the choice of words quickly drew backlash for its tone and inappropriate comparison, with many feeling it crossed a line in terms of racial stereotyping.?

The headline quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, with Reddit users calling it "sick" and "straight-up racist," while others questioned how such a headline passed editorial review.

This is how Free Press journal reported Gukesh's victory. Sick
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A few even suggested the paper intentionally used provocative language to generate outrage and drive clicks, calling it 'rage baiting.'

Despite the attempt at creativity, it left many wondering if it was a misstep in the pursuit of attention.

D Gukesh richer by Rs 11 crore after win

D Gukesh secured his victory in a thrilling 14th game of the World Chess Championship in Singapore, capitalising on a blunder by Ding Liren in the endgame.?

This win has made Gukesh over Rs 11 crore richer.

The total prize pool for the 2024 championship is $2.5 million (approximately Rs 20.75 crore).?

According to FIDE's rules, players earn $200,000 (around Rs 1.68 crore) for each win, with the remaining prize money split equally between the two finalists.

Gukesh triumphed in three games—Games 3, 11, and 14—earning $600,000 (around Rs 5.04 crore). Ding Liren won Games 1 and 2, securing $400,000 (approximately Rs 3.36 crore). The remaining $1.5 million was shared equally between the two players.

In total, Gukesh earned $1.35 million (roughly Rs 11.34 crore), while Liren earned $1.15 million (around Rs 9.66 crore).

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