Gukesh Prepares for Norway Chess Tournament Amidst Criticism and High Expectations
Gukesh Gears Up for Norway Chess Tournament Amid Criticism
Oslo – As he approaches his 20th birthday on May 29, reigning world champion D. Gukesh is set to make his mark at the prestigious Norway Chess Tournament, kicking off his campaign against Germany’s Vincent Keymer on Monday. Despite facing a wave of criticism over his recent performances, the young Indian Grandmaster remains resolute and focused on turning his fortunes around.
In a candid conversation on Sunday, Gukesh acknowledged the validity of the critiques he has received over the past 18 months. “Most of it I don’t see, but there are some that I have heard, and I think it’s fair,” he stated. “I have not been performing well, and my results have been below expectations. Critics have the right to express their opinions, and I have the right to do my best.”
Gukesh’s recent tournament history has been a mixed bag, with a 10th place finish at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, followed by ninth at the Prague International Chess Festival, and a sixth-place finish at the Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland. In light of his struggles, he has opted out of classical events on the Grand Chess Tour, focusing solely on Norway Chess and the upcoming Chess Olympiad before defending his title against challenger Javokhir Sindarov later this year.
The young champion’s world title victory in 2024 against China’s Ding Liren has been overshadowed by skepticism from notable figures in the chess community. Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi has criticized Gukesh’s inconsistent play, while former world champion Anatoly Karpov suggested that his title win was “by accident.” Magnus Carlsen, the world number one and a fierce competitor in the tournament, has also raised questions about the quality of chess during Gukesh’s title match.
With Sindarov also participating in Oslo, the stakes are high as both players prepare for their anticipated showdown. Gukesh expressed his willingness to play the World Championship match anywhere, though he acknowledged the unique pressure of defending his title in India. “If it’s in India, it will be super cool, and I will be very happy,” he said.
Reflecting on the challenges of title defense, Gukesh noted the different mindsets required for winning and retaining a championship. “Defending a title is tougher than winning it,” he admitted. “There is a lot of expectation and pressure of not wanting to lose, but at the end of the day, the goal is to play good chess.”
The young Grandmaster also recalled a memorable moment from the last Norway Chess tournament when Carlsen, frustrated after losing to him, banged the table in exasperation—a moment that went viral and brought significant attention to the sport. When asked if he would like to see a repeat of that incident, Gukesh remarked, “That moment generated enormous publicity and pushed chess further into the global spotlight.”
As Gukesh prepares to face Keymer, all eyes will be on the young champion to see if he can silence his critics and reclaim his form on the international stage.