LONDON, Dec 13: Newly crowned chess world champion D Gukesh remains unfazed by the critique surrounding his match with China’s Ding Liren, asserting that major tournaments are influenced not only by the quality of play but also by willpower and character, traits he possesses in abundance.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh triumphed over the Chinese player in a closely contested 14-game match, finishing with a score of 7.5-6.5, thus becoming the youngest world champion in chess history.
Former champions Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik expressed their disappointment with the standard of gameplay in the recently concluded World Championship.
Carlsen remarked that the match resembled a second or third-round game in an open tournament, while Kramnik declared it marked the “end of chess as we know it.”
When asked if Carlsen’s remarks affected him, Gukesh responded to BBC World, “Not really.”
“I understand that in some games, the quality may not have been high, but I believe world championship matches are determined not just by chess skill but by who exhibits the strongest character and willpower. I believe I showcased those qualities effectively,” he said.
Although Gukesh acknowledged a desire to compete at a higher level, he noted, “In terms of pure chess, it wasn’t at the level I would have preferred, as it was a new experience for me with different workloads and pressures.
“I can understand being slightly off my game, but I managed to seize the critical moments, which I am pleased about,” he added.
Liren made a fundamental error that cost him his title, drawing some criticism in the process.
However, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated that such mistakes add excitement to the sport.
Legendary Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand also encouraged Gukesh to dismiss the criticism.
“I am very happy. I was witnessing history being made yesterday. Critique accompanies every match. Honestly, it’s just part of the game. You have to ignore it, and that’s all,” said Anand. (Agencies)
