Criticism Surrounds D Gukesh’s World Championship Victory: Former Champions Weigh In

India’s D Gukesh Faces Criticism from Chess Legends After World Championship Win

NEW DELHI: India’s prodigious chess talent, D Gukesh, has found himself at the center of controversy following his recent victory over Ding Liren, which crowned him the youngest world champion in history. While many celebrate his achievement, former world champion Anatoly Karpov has publicly questioned the legitimacy of Gukesh’s title, suggesting that luck played a more significant role than skill.

Karpov, in an interview with Russian outlet KP.RU, stated, “First of all, the Indian chess player became [champion] by chance, because he wasn’t supposed to win the match against the Chinese player. The Chinese player lost a game there that he shouldn’t have lost. Had he not, the Chinese player would have remained the world champion.” This sentiment echoes a growing chorus of skepticism from some quarters, particularly among Russian chess circles.

Adding to the criticism, former champion Vladimir Kramnik expressed his disappointment with the quality of play exhibited during the championship match. He remarked, “Frankly, I am very disappointed by today’s game (Game 6). Even Game 5 was not extremely high level, but today it was really — for a professional — it was really weak play from both players.” Kramnik lamented the lack of strategic depth, stating, “It’s such a strange game. Both players were making mistake after mistake, strategical mistakes. As if they don’t get the sense of the position.”

Despite the backlash, Ding Liren has taken a measured approach to his defeat. In a recent interview, he expressed contentment with his current situation, saying, “I quite enjoy my current situation. What I mean is, being a player with an inactive rating, who seldom participates in elite invitationals. I’m enjoying this rare moment of leisure.” Ding emphasized the joy of playing chess without the pressures of preparation, stating, “The process itself is rewarding.”

As the chess community grapples with these criticisms, Gukesh’s victory remains a significant milestone for Indian chess, showcasing the emergence of a new generation of players. Whether the young champion can rise above the scrutiny and continue to prove his mettle on the global stage remains to be seen.

For now, the chess world watches closely, eager to see how Gukesh will respond to the challenges ahead.