Magnus Carlsen at Peace as Indian Teens Challenge for World No 1 Spot
Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world chess champion, is at peace as a group of talented Indian teenagers are hot on his heels on the ratings board. Despite acknowledging the possibility of them overtaking him in a couple of years, Carlsen remains calm and supportive of their success.
One of these rising stars is 18-year-old D Gukesh, who is set to face China’s Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship later this month. Carlsen, who is currently in Kolkata for the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, expressed his confidence in Gukesh, calling him the clear favorite for the upcoming championship.
While Carlsen believes that Gukesh may feel the pressure of the high expectations placed on him by over a billion people, he also recognizes the young player’s potential for success. Gukesh made history earlier this year by becoming the youngest player ever to win the Fide Candidates tournament, surpassing the record set by Garry Kasparov.
Despite his own achievements in the world of chess, Carlsen remains humble and supportive of the younger generation of players. He admitted that he underestimated Gukesh’s abilities in the past but now sees him as a formidable opponent.
As Gukesh prepares to face Ding Liren in the World Championship, Carlsen offered some words of caution based on his observations of the Indian player’s recent performances. While acknowledging Gukesh’s vulnerabilities, Carlsen still believes in his potential for success.
Although Carlsen has essentially retired from classical chess, he mentioned that if he were to return for a match, Gukesh would be his preferred opponent. He emphasized that while he may still be the favorite in such a scenario, players like Gukesh would have a chance to challenge him.
Overall, Carlsen’s support and respect for the young Indian players demonstrate his sportsmanship and admiration for the next generation of chess talent. As the World Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Gukesh as he aims to make his mark on the chess world.