D Gukesh Faces Challenges After Norway Chess Setback Ahead of Title Defense
D Gukesh’s Rocky Road: World Champion Faces Challenges After Norway Chess Setback
Oslo, Norway — In a surprising turn of events, world chess champion D Gukesh has found himself at the bottom of the standings at the recent Norway Chess tournament, finishing with just 8 points among six elite players. This disappointing outcome marks a stark contrast to his meteoric rise in the chess world, where he previously dethroned Viswanathan Anand as India’s No. 1 and became the youngest winner of the FIDE Candidates and World Championship titles.
Gukesh, who made headlines for breaking Garry Kasparov’s record as the youngest chess world champion in December 2024, has faced a series of underwhelming performances since then. After a promising third-place finish at the 2025 Norway Chess in Stavanger—where he notably defeated world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen—this year’s tournament has raised eyebrows and concerns about his current form.
Reflecting on his recent struggles, Gukesh acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining focus during tournaments. “It is a challenge to switch on and switch off,” he stated in an interview with The Indian Express. “I think that’s one of the qualities that people who are consistent and have sustainable and long careers have. I still have to develop that quality.”
As he prepares to defend his world title against Javokhir Sindarov, the winner of the 2026 Candidates in Cyprus, Gukesh has opted for a lighter schedule to focus on training and regaining his form. This decision comes after a series of early exits in key events, including the FIDE Grand Swiss and World Cup last year.
The chess community is left wondering how Gukesh’s recent performances will impact his upcoming championship match. While he remains optimistic about his training, the pressure of defending his title looms large. “I care about my form, and I am affected by it,” he admitted, highlighting the mental toll that competitive chess can take on even the most talented players.
As Gukesh embarks on this new chapter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can master the art of switching off and back on again—an essential skill for any champion. The chess world waits with bated breath for his next move.
First Published: June 12, 2026, 07:00 IST