New Delhi, Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi believes reigning world champion D Gukesh’s title defence against Uzbek challenger Javokhir Sindarov will be a test of mental strength more than chess ability, with the Indian needing to put behind him a difficult run and rediscover the form that made 2024 an exceptional year.
For example, 2024 was an exceptional year for Gukesh.
Vidit, however, said a dip in results does not necessarily indicate a decline in a player’s ability. Whatever he played, he was winning,” Vidit told PTI. He said form among elite players is influenced by several factors beyond their chess strength. Gukesh continues to work hard and has brought fresh ideas to his games but has struggled to produce the efficiency that characterised his rise to the world title, according to Vidit. On the changing chess landscape and the growing prominence of rapid, blitz and esports formats, Vidit said he has no problem with any particular version of the game but wants greater clarity from the sport’s stakeholders.
Gukesh has endured an inconsistent phase since his World Championship triumph, while Sindarov heads into the marquee clash in excellent form. “In chess, performances, if you are not Magnus Carlsen, come in stages. Every tournament, he had the Midas touch. India will face another major challenge at the upcoming Chess Olympiad, where the defending champions will rely on the depth of a team that includes several players currently enjoying good runs. He pointed out that a successful team does not necessarily require every player to be at the peak of his powers simultaneously.
