D Gukesh is not hiding from the criticism surrounding his recent form. In fact, the reigning world champion believes much of it is deserved.
Speaking ahead of the Norway Chess Tournament in Oslo, the Indian GM admitted that the last 18 months have fallen short of expectations.
“Most of it I don’t see, but there are some that I have heard and I think it’s fair,” Gukesh said on Sunday.
“I have not been performing well in the last one-and-a-half year and I think I would say that my performances have been way below expectations. They have the right to say what they feel and I have the right to do my best.”
The 19-year-old, who turns 20 on May 29, begins his Norway Chess campaign against Vincent Keymer on Monday.
Tough Stretch After World Title Triumph
Ever since defeating Ding Liren to win the world title in 2024, Gukesh has struggled for consistency.
This year alone, he finished 10th at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, ninth at the Prague International Chess Festival, and sixth at the Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland event on the Grand Chess Tour.
The dip in form has led to criticism from several big names in chess.
Ian Nepomniachtchi questioned the quality of Gukesh’s play, while former world champion Anatoly Karpov claimed the Indian won the world title “by accident.”
Even world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, seated beside Gukesh during Sunday’s interaction, has previously criticised the standard of the 2024 world championship match in Singapore.
Eyes On Title Defence
Gukesh has cut down his schedule significantly ahead of his world title defence later this year against Javokhir Sindarov.
For now, he plans to compete only at Norway Chess and the Chess Olympiad before the championship clash.
“Many people have said that defending a title is more difficult than actually winning it,” Gukesh said.
“So for sure, there is a lot of expectation and pressure of not wanting to lose. But at the end of the day, the basic thing is to go there and play good chess.”
The Indian also reflected on the viral moment from Norway Chess last year, when Carlsen slammed the table in frustration after losing to him.
“That moment in general speaks about chess players generally not showing a lot of emotions,” Gukesh said.
“But when it did happen, a lot of people got attracted to chess.”
(with PTI inputs)
