Indian Players Poised for World Chess Championship Title: Svidler

Indian Chess Players Poised to Compete for World Championship Title, Says Russian Grandmaster

Russian grandmaster Peter Svidler has expressed his belief that two Indian players could soon be competing for the World Chess Championship title, citing the rapid rise of the sport in India. With D. Gukesh set to face reigning champion Ding Liren of China at the upcoming World Championships, Svidler stated that it would not be a surprise to see Indian players in contention for the title.

Svidler acknowledged the challenges of qualifying for the World Championship match but emphasized the talent and potential of Indian players like Arjun Erigaisi. He mentioned that while the world championships bring additional pressure, it would not be unexpected for Indian players to remain in the conversation for the title in the next decade and a half.

Regarding Ding Liren’s current form, Svidler described him as a “shadow” of his former self, noting that the player has not reached his peak since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, Svidler praised both Ding and Gukesh as versatile players who excel across formats, making stylistic comparisons less relevant at the elite level.

In addition, Svidler highlighted India’s dominance in team chess events, particularly after clinching gold medals in both the men’s and women’s categories at the 2024 Chess Olympiad. He credited the extraordinary line-up of young Indian players for making the country a dominant force in team chess, with the potential to continue competing for gold in every team tournament.

Svidler also acknowledged the role of five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in inspiring and mentoring the new generation of Indian chess players, emphasizing the importance of Anand’s contributions to the sport in India. Overall, Svidler expressed optimism about the future of Indian chess and the potential for Indian players to make a significant impact on the international stage.