D Gukesh dissects competition ‘in the top 10’, namedrops R Praggnanandhaa for ‘winning a lot of tournaments’
Posted on: Aug 21, 2025 08:34 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
D Gukesh is currently joint-second at the on-going Sinquefield transfuse in St. Joe louis, with a mark of 1.5. He shares the place with Alireza Firouzja, Wesley So, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Sam Sevian. He also lost to R. Praggnanandhaa in the opening round.
He won the World Championship title last year in December, defeating Ding Liren in Singapore. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing tournament, he said, “It [world championship] was something maybe I just wanted more than anybody else. More than anything else that I wanted in my life so far.”
“I mean from my childhood I used to dream about it and I think I managed to make the most out of the opportunities that I got and that’s all you can do.”
The Indian GM revealed Viswanathan Anand’s role in his success. “I would think that a huge part of the success had to be Vishy sir. Not only by being an inspiration or role model, but also by taking upon himself to create an academy for the youngsters, together with my sponsor, WestBridge. They started the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy,” he said.
“I was a part of it. At that time I was just a 2500 grandmaster and then for sure helped a lot in me becoming a top player. Once the results started to show up the government support the corporate sponsorships and all that came naturally. It’s a bit of everything I think and you always need a bit of luck to go absolutely in your favor.”
The 19-year-old also feels that competition at the top level is intense, and he gave an example of his Indian counterparts.
“I think in the top 10, most of them are around the same. Most of it depends on who comes with a better mindset on that given day or in that specific tournament,” he said.
“Last year, for example, Arjun and I were doing great, but Pragg [Praggnanandhaa] was not doing great. This year Pragg has been winning a lot of tournaments. It mostly depends on who has that one per cent extra motivation or the one per cent extra energy. It is the little things that matter,” he added.
Gukesh is also the youngest-ever World champion, and the youngest player to have gone past a FIDE rating of 2750, which he did at the age of 17.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.