Gujrathi denies link between criticism of Gukesh and FIDE-Freestyle Chess feud, backs world champion to shine in Norway

Gukesh Dommaraju has been facing criticism from the likes of Magnus Carlsen ever since he defeated China's Ding Liren to become the youngest world champion in chess history. Despite the 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster going on to finish second at the Tata Steel Chess in Netherlands right after the World Championship, his underwhelming performances in the ongoing Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour have given his critics more ammunition to question his credentials as someone who truly deserved to be counted among the world’s best.

Norway Chess will be a good test for Gukesh, feels Gujrathi

Fellow Indian GM Vidit Gujrathi, however, came to Gukesh’s rescue, stating that while Gukesh takes his time to adapt to other formats, he remained a force to be reckoned with in the Classical format and backed him to shine at the Norway Chess later this month.

Gujrathi also denied comparison between Gukesh’s criticism as well as the ongoing feud between FIDE and the Carlsen-backed Freestyle Chess.

“I think these two issues are quite different. As for Gukesh, it’s too soon to judge. He’s just achieved the world championship title, and he had a strong performance at Wijk Aan Zee. Classical chess is clearly his strength, and I think the upcoming Norway Chess in May will be a good test for him,” Gujrathi, who made his Freestyle Chess debut in Paris last month, told India Today.

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“It’s well known that Gukesh hasn’t paid as much attention to other formats, and it takes time for him to adjust. So, he probably still needs more time to adapt to Freestyle and other formats. But I’m sure he wants to excel in all of them because, to be a true world champion, being proficient across all formats is expected. I’m confident he’s highly motivated to improve in that area.

“As for the FIDE vs. Freestyle war, I haven’t delved into the details much, but any conflict that doesn’t contribute to the sport’s growth isn’t ideal. I hope they can come to an agreement because I don’t think it has to be about choosing between classical chess and Freestyle chess. Both can coexist, and if they can figure out how to make that work, it would be great for the sport,” he added.

Also Read | Anand confident ahead of Gukesh vs Carlsen clash at Norway Chess

After his runner-up finish at the Tata Steel Chess at Wijk aan Zee, where he lost to compatriot R Praggnanandhaa in tie-breaks , Gukesh was off to an underwhelming start in the opening event of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Weissenhaus – where he failed to collect a single win.

And in the second event in Paris last month, Gukesh shared the 11th spot with Gujrathi after the two players failed to reach the quarter-finals.

Gukesh will be in action at the Norway Chess, which takes place in Stavanger, Norway from 26 May to 6 June – meaning the Chennai lad will be celebrating his 19th birthday away from home. The central attraction of the event will be Gukesh’s showdown with Carlsen, his first with the current world No 1 since he became world champion.