In the illustrious world of chess, a new star is rising – India’s 18-year-old prodigy, Dommaraju Gukesh. As he prepares to face reigning champion Ding Liren in the upcoming World Chess Championship match, the chess community is abuzz with anticipation. And who better to offer insights into Gukesh’s meteoric ascent than Viswanathan Anand, India’s chess legend and former world champion.
A Surprising Rise
Anand admits he didn’t expect Gukesh to reach the championship stage so early in his career. “I did not assign a very high probability to him getting there so early,” Anand reveals. “He’s the youngest ever challenger in World Championship match history. And if that doesn’t surprise me, nothing will.”
But surprise doesn’t equate to doubt. Anand recognizes the immense composure and chess strength Gukesh displayed in winning the Candidates tournament against the world’s top players. It’s these non-technical skills – handling pressure, performing under tension, drawing on one’s strengths – that often decide matches at the highest level.
Gukesh’s Composure
Anand highlights Gukesh’s ability to seize opportunities when they arose in the Candidates. “He had the strength, the presence of mind and the composure to grab his chance when it appeared, which is all you can really do in the candidates,” Anand notes. Even holding draws against his closest competitors showcased Gukesh’s big game temperament.
“And now he has the opportunity at the World Championship, the biggest stage.”
– Viswanathan Anand
Championships are Won, Not Elected
While Anand sees Gukesh’s recent form as encouraging, he reminds the young challenger of a timeless truth: “World Championships are won, not elected.” Gukesh may approach the match with confidence, but victory is earned over the board, not bestowed.
Gukesh’s Unconventional Preparation
Gukesh raised some eyebrows by competing in the European Club Cup mere weeks before his title match. But Anand sees this as a reasonable, modern approach. “I think it’s fair to say that this is probably a very reasonable approach. To play a few games within a month of the match, it hardly seems to me something to raise eyebrows,” he explains. Staying active and avoiding rust can be advantageous.
As the chess world eagerly awaits the clash between Ding Liren and Gukesh, Anand’s insights illuminate the prodigy’s path and prospects. Can Gukesh’s composure and strength propel him to become the youngest World Chess Champion in history? Only time, and the chessboard, will tell.
