D Gukesh’s Calm Composure Shines in World Chess Championship Victory and Freestyle Grand Slam
Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has been making waves in the chess world with his calm composure and mental strength, reminiscent of cricket legend MS Dhoni. During his recent World Chess Championship victory against Ding Liren, Gukesh showcased his ice-cool demeanor, which caught the attention of fans and experts alike.
It was later revealed that Paddy Upton, a renowned mental conditioning coach who worked with the Indian cricket team during their 2011 ODI World Cup victory, was part of Gukesh’s World Championship team. Upton’s expertise in mental conditioning has clearly had a positive impact on Gukesh’s performance on the chessboard.
Gukesh’s composure was further highlighted during the ongoing Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, where he displayed remarkable calmness even under pressure. Despite not securing a win in the opening leg of the tournament, Gukesh’s heart-rate monitor readings showed that he remained unfazed by the intense competition.
During his quarter-final defeat against Fabiano Caruana, Gukesh’s heart rate was a steady 78 beats per minute, while Caruana’s heart rate spiked to 124 BPM despite having more time on his clock. This impressive display of composure has drawn comparisons to chess champion Magnus Carlsen, whose heart rate also remains stable during games.
Even Caruana and official commentators Peter Leko and Judit Polgar have been impressed by Gukesh’s ability to stay calm under pressure. Upton, who has worked closely with Gukesh, explained that the young chess prodigy has mastered the art of staying fully focused and present during long games, a skill that is crucial in chess.
Gukesh’s ability to switch up and switch down, as Upton describes it, allows him to recharge and stay mentally sharp throughout grueling chess matches. With his remarkable composure and mental strength, Gukesh is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess, drawing parallels to the legendary MS Dhoni in the realm of sportsmanship and mental fortitude.