Hikaru Nakamura rooting for Gukesh in World Championship bid against Ding Liren
Hikaru Nakamura, the World No 2 chess player, is openly rooting for 18-year-old Indian prodigy D Gukesh to make history by becoming the youngest world champion ever. In a recent interview with The Indian Express, Nakamura expressed his unwavering support for Gukesh, stating that he would be “beyond disappointed” if the talented teenager doesn’t clinch the title next month in Singapore by defeating current champion Ding Liren from China.
Nakamura highlighted the significant support that Indian players like Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa are receiving from private sponsors, a luxury he didn’t have even after establishing himself as an elite Grandmaster. He emphasized how this support allows the Indian players to stay hungry, focused, and motivated in their pursuit of excellence in chess, without having to worry about making a living.
The American Gambits’ icon player also discussed the bright future of Indian chess, predicting the possibility of two Indian players facing off in a World Championship match in the near future. Nakamura praised the depth of talent in India, mentioning players like Raunak Sadhwani, Nihal Sarin, and Aravindh Chithambaram as potential future contenders for the world title.
When asked about his own motivation to keep playing at the highest level, Nakamura credited the evolving landscape of chess and the availability of resources for helping him maintain his passion for the game. He emphasized the importance of playing in tournaments with unique formats to keep things exciting and challenging.
Nakamura also touched upon the changing dynamics of chess, with rapid and blitz formats gaining popularity due to the fast-paced nature of modern society. He discussed the need for FIDE to adapt to these changes if they want to keep top players like Magnus Carlsen engaged in the World Championship cycle.
In conclusion, Nakamura expressed his love for the creative aspect of chess, highlighting the unique and ever-changing nature of the game that keeps him coming back for more. With his unwavering support for Gukesh and the promising future of Indian chess, Nakamura’s insights shed light on the exciting developments in the world of chess.