Gukesh on World Chess Championship match against Liren: 'I don't believe in predictions, just focusing on the process'

Indian chess sensation D Gukesh has had an extraordinary year so far, and will hope to make it even more special over the course of the next one month. The 18-year-old Grandmaster from Chennai made history earlier this year by becoming the youngest player to challenge for the chess world title by winning the Candidates Tournament in April. Later in September, he would play a central role in helping India complete a golden sweep at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary.

D Gukesh |  Indian teenage prodigy from Chennai set for World Chess Championship clash with Ding Liren

The cherry on top of the cake for Gukesh will be to defeat Chinese GM Ding Liren in Singapore in the World Chess Championship that gets underway later this month, and become only the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the title.

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Gukesh’s solid form this year along with the fact that Ding has not won a game in the Classical format since January this year makes the Indian GM a strong favourite to emerge triumphant in the year-ending event. In an interview with FIDE, however, Gukesh chose to downplay recent predictions and talks of him being the favourite, and instead chose to focus on the process.

Also Read | Magnus Carlsen: Gukesh ‘significant favourite’ against Ding Liren

“In general, I don’t believe in predictions and who are the favorites. I just think whoever shows up every day as the best will win the game eventually. I’m just focusing on the process, and I try to be at my best every day and play a good game. I just want to enjoy the experience,” Gukesh said the interview with the governing body for the sport at the global level.

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“The process is pretty much typical for the World Championships. I have a team, and we are preparing hard. I’m trying to be at my best and enjoy each moment of this journey,” added the teenaged Grandmaster.

Also Read | D Gukesh doing everything correctly, but I would not underestimate Ding Liren: Viswanathan Anand

When asked about his strategy for the world championship showdown, which will take place in the city state from 25 November to 13 December in a best-of-14-games format, Gukesh chose not to reveal much.

“It’ll be an interesting match for sure. We are both strong players, and there’ll be a lot of exciting games. I hope it’s a beautiful experience for all chess lovers. As for my team, I can say Gajewski will be my trainer for the match, but beyond that, I can’t reveal much,” Gukesh added.

Gukesh also acknowledged the fact that the upcoming world championship battle will be all-Asian battle and will not have a European for a change.