Chess participant D. Gukesh, who gained the FIDE Candidates match, arrived in Chennai in the wee hours of Thursday to a grand welcome.
| Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ
The reigning World champion Ding Liren of China has not been in nice kind, as his current outcomes counsel. The 31-year-old withdrew from a number of tournaments since turning into the champion in April 2023. Even this yr, Ding hasn’t achieved something of observe: ending ninth in the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee and rising fifth in the Grenke Chess Classic in Karlsruhe (Germany). Nevertheless, Liren has vowed to make a comeback.
D. Gukesh, the 17-year-old newly-crowned FIDE Candidates winner, who will take on Ding in the World championship match scheduled in November-December this yr, mentioned the Chinese is a powerful participant, however insisted that he was ready for the battle.
“We have played a few rapid games and some classical. Obviously, he’s a very strong player, quite universal. He’s been at the top for a long time. It will surely be exciting to play. But I think I’m ready for the challenge,” Gukesh informed The Hindu quickly after his arrival right here from Toronto.
Gukesh’s mom and members of the family had been on hand to welcome the FIDE Candidates champion at the Chennai Airport in the early hours of Thursday.
| Photo Credit:
B. VELANKANNI RAJ
He was felicitated by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, his alma mater Velammal, and chess officers.
Gukesh mentioned he has no particular choice for the venue of the World championship. “I’m fine with playing anywhere. Obviously, it’ll be nice to play at home (Chennai). Wherever I play, the goal is to be focused and win the match.”
With hardly six months to organize for the large occasion, Gukesh is aware of he has no time to relaxation on his laurels. The teen prodigy appears to have already deliberate his subsequent set of strikes.
“There are already some tournaments I’ve decided to play. Mainly the Grand Chess Tour, which is a tour of five events. I’ll be in Warsaw, Poland in a couple of weeks,” he mentioned.
According to the particular person gold medal winner of the Chennai Olympiad, a win or a defeat doesn’t keep with him for a very long time. “Win or defeat stays, they generally say, but it’s never been the case for me. I generally managed to recover, whatever the result.”
Chess participant D. Gukesh, who gained the FIDE Candidates match, being felicitated by his alma mater Velammal at the airport.
| Photo Credit:
B. VELANKANNI RAJ
Gukesh singled out his unwavering focus as one in all the foremost causes for profitable the Candidates. “I think the focus that I had and the kind of discipline I went throughout the three weeks. I was very strict and made no compromises. I think that was very important,” he mentioned.
Gukesh recalled the immense help of WestBridge Capital, WACA (WestBridge Anand Chess Academy) and his coach Vishnu Prasanna. “I can’t really ask for more. Really grateful for their support,” he mentioned, whereas praising five-time World champion Viswanathan Anand for being an inspiration . “I can’t thank Vishy sir enough,” he mentioned.