The youngest ever undisputed world champion, 18, had a rapturous reception on his return to Chennai, but his new status will be tested at Wijk aan Zee in January

Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, had a rapturous reception from Indian fans when he flew back to Chennai after deposing China’s Ding Liren for the world title 7.5-6.5 by winning their 14th and final game in Singapore.

It was an occasion which, in Indian terms, could only have been surpassed in intensity by a winning IPL cricket team, while its English equivalent would be a home city football celebration for Premier or Champions League winners.