Gukesh’s Struggles at Norway Chess 2026: Coach Gajewski Responds to Performance Criticism Ahead of World Championship Showdown

D Gukesh Faces Tough Times at Norway Chess 2026, Finishing Last Amidst Rising Criticism

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In a challenging outing at Norway Chess 2026, Indian grandmaster D Gukesh found himself at the bottom of the leaderboard, finishing last with just eight points. The reigning world champion began the tournament with a promising Armageddon victory, showcasing his resilience, but struggled to maintain that momentum throughout the competition.

As Gukesh prepares for crucial upcoming events, including the World Championship showdown against Javokhir Sindarov, his mentor Grzegorz Gajewski has stepped forward to address the mounting criticism surrounding the young prodigy’s performance.

Gajewski Breaks Silence on Criticism Over Gukesh’s Performance

Gajewski acknowledged the immense pressure Gukesh is under, stating, “It’s a very difficult spot to be where he’s at. He is under the spotlight, and we are doing all we can in our power to help him return to the highest level.” His comments come as Gukesh faces scrutiny not only from fans but also from fellow competitors, including Hikaru Nakamura, who expressed concerns about Gukesh’s recent form.

Despite the setbacks, Gajewski remains optimistic about Gukesh’s potential. “That approach made him the world champion in the first place,” he noted, referring to Gukesh’s risk-taking style of play. “He really needed to do so many things to make this world title happen. So I can’t really blame the approach.”

Is Gukesh’s Risky Approach Worthy?

While Gukesh’s bold strategies have drawn criticism, Gajewski emphasized that the same tactics contributed to his rise as a world champion. “He has many weaknesses, and when he was winning the title, he had the same weaknesses as he has right now. Maybe even more. But at that time, there was so much confidence,” he explained.

As Gukesh gears up to defend his title against Sindarov, the chess community watches closely, hoping to see the return of the confident champion who once dazzled the world with his skill and tenacity.

With the World Championship looming, Gukesh and his team are determined to turn the tide and reclaim his status at the pinnacle of chess. The upcoming matches will be crucial not only for Gukesh’s career but also for his legacy in the sport.

For more updates on Gukesh and the world of chess, stay tuned.