Gajewski Addresses Concerns Over Gukesh’s Performance Ahead of World Championship Showdown

Gukesh’s Mentor Speaks Out Amid Concerns Over World Champion’s Performance

As the chess world gears up for the highly anticipated World Championship showdown, Grzegorz Gajewski, mentor to reigning champion D Gukesh, has broken his silence regarding the Indian grandmaster’s recent struggles. Gukesh’s performance at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament raised eyebrows, as he finished last with a mere eight points, prompting discussions about his readiness for the upcoming title defense.

Gukesh’s journey at Norway Chess began with a promising Armageddon victory, showcasing his resilience. However, he faltered in subsequent matches, unable to maintain his form. Gajewski acknowledged the immense pressure Gukesh faces, 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 come back to the highest level.”

The mentor emphasized that the team is fully committed to helping Gukesh regain his peak performance. Despite the criticism surrounding Gukesh’s risk-taking approach, Gajewski defended the strategy that led to his world title victory. “That approach made him the world champion in the first place,” he noted. “He had many weaknesses then, just as he does now, but his confidence was key.”

As Gukesh prepares to defend his title against Javokhir Sindarov, who secured his place by winning the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the chess community watches closely. Gajewski’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by elite players and the importance of confidence in high-stakes competitions.

With the championship looming, all eyes will be on Gukesh to see if he can harness his past successes and rise to the occasion once more.