Gukesh reflects on inferior results following World Championship victory, eyes Carlsen clash in Norway
It’s been more than two months since D. Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion. But the celebrations haven’t stopped for the young Grandmaster.
The 18-year-old youngest World champion sat through a nearly two-hour program, that had laser shows, dance and an appearance by Korean pop singer Aoora, organised by his alma mater, Velammal Nexus, here on Friday.
The school management in Mogappair felicitated him with a cash award of Rs. one crore. “The school has supported me from the beginning till now. I am ever thankful to them,” he said.
After the world championship victory, the Chennai lad took part in two tournaments – the Tata Steel tournament in Wijk aan Zee in Netherlands and the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Weissenhaus, Germany.
While he lost to compatriot R. Praggnanandhaa in the Tata Steel final on tiebreaks, he finished eighth among 10 players in Germany.
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On losing to Pragg, Gukesh said it was disappointing but insisted that he has taken lot of lessons in the defeat. “You can’t win everything. I will look at them objectively and see where I can improve,” the teenager explained.
Gukesh described the freestyle chess event as a “bad event” to Sportstar, but expressed his enthusiasm for the format. “It’s an interesting format. I am looking forward to playing the next freestyle event in Paris from April 8 to 15.”
The Khel Ratna awardee is also eagerly anticipating the Norway Chess tournament, starting May 26th in Stavanger, where he’ll face World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen for the first time since their 2023 FIDE World Cup quarterfinal clash.
“It will be, no doubt, a great learning experience playing Magnus. I am looking forward to playing my best,” he said.
Gukesh disagreed with chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand’s reported statement that sport is for the rich. “I don’t think so. If you are sincere, and have willpower, no matter which gender you are and what background you come from, you can achieve. In my case, we faced financial issues early in my career, but we were dedicated. Sport is equal for all,” he opined.