Magnus Carlsen Backs D. Gukesh as Favorite for World Chess Championship

Uncategorized Omar El-Sharif November 13, 2024

Magnus Carlsen Backs D. Gukesh as Favorite for World Chess Championship

Magnus Carlsen endorses 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh as a clear favorite in the upcoming World Chess Championship against Ding Liren, acknowledging the pressure Gukesh will face. Carlsen notes Gukesh’s historical achievement of winning the FIDE Candidates tournament at a young age and highlights the significance of this championship match. He also discussed previous underestimations of Gukesh’s strength and the potential vulnerabilities Gukesh may have against Ding.

Magnus Carlsen has expressed his support for the young Indian chess prodigy, D. Gukesh, ahead of the upcoming World Chess Championship. At just 18 years old, Gukesh, currently ranked fifth with a rating of 2783, will face China’s Ding Liren in the championship match later this month. Carlsen, recognizing the immense pressure Gukesh will experience as he competes in this significant event, stated that while many expect him to succeed, the expectations could also weigh heavily on him. Carlsen noted Gukesh’s remarkable journey, highlighting that this championship marks a pivotal moment in the young player’s career. “He’s playing the World Championship at 18 in what might seem like a fun experience. But there’s more than one billion people expecting him to win,” Carlsen remarked. Despite acknowledging Gukesh’s favored status, Carlsen cautioned that the match could begin nervously for the young talent, yet there remains a strong possibility for Gukesh to claim an early lead, which could significantly influence the match’s outcome. The Norwegian distinguished Gukesh as the youngest player ever to win the FIDE Candidates tournament earlier this year, surpassing a long-standing record held by Garry Kasparov. Carlsen confessed that he underestimated Gukesh’s potential prior to the Candidates, admitting he was “completely wrong” about the young player’s capacity to secure victory. This championship clash is particularly momentous as it marks the first time an Indian contender has been in the hunt for the world title since Viswanathan Anand in 2014. Despite Ding Liren’s recent struggles with mental health and performance issues, Carlsen recognized him as a formidable opponent. He expressed respect for Ding, recalling how he previously regarded the Chinese grandmaster with a degree of apprehension. However, Carlsen also suggested that Gukesh’s performance at recent events has revealed vulnerabilities, potentially providing Ding with a competitive edge. In closing, Carlsen, who is contemplating retirement from classical chess, indicated a preference for Gukesh as a potential opponent should he ever return to competition, stating, “At the moment I probably have the most fun playing Gukesh.”

The article discusses the upcoming World Chess Championship match between D. Gukesh, an 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy, and China’s Ding Liren, highlighting Gukesh’s rapid rise in the chess world and the pressures he faces competing at such a young age. It features insights from Magnus Carlsen, a renowned chess champion, who offers his perspective on Gukesh’s capabilities and the challenges he may encounter in the championship match. The significance of this match is underscored by Gukesh’s historical achievements, including becoming the youngest winner of the FIDE Candidates tournament and the fact that it is the first time in a decade that an Indian player will compete for the world title. Carlsen’s remarks also touch on the psychological aspects of high-stake competitions and the evolving landscape of chess with rising young talents from India.

In light of the upcoming World Chess Championship, Magnus Carlsen’s endorsement of D. Gukesh underscores the young prodigy’s potential while also acknowledging the challenges posed by the weight of public expectation. As Gukesh prepares to face Ding Liren, the chess community watches closely, recognizing the historical significance of this matchup and its implications for the future of world chess. Carlsen’s reflections on Gukesh serve as a testament to the promising caliber of emerging players in the competitive realm of chess.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com