World Champion Gukesh Opens Year with Two Hard-Fought Draws
D Gukesh, the reigning world chess champion, began his 2026 campaign with two consecutive draws at the prestigious Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. The 19-year-old from Chennai faced Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov in the first round and Dutch Grandmaster Jorden van Foreest in the second, settling for shared honours in both encounters.
Frustrating Start Against Sindarov
Gukesh experienced a particularly grueling opening match against Javokhir Sindarov. The game stretched over six hours, testing the young champion's patience and resolve. At one point, Gukesh became so agitated by murmuring spectators that he famously placed a finger to his lips, shushing the crowd before requesting the arbiter to maintain silence.
The match took a dramatic turn when Gukesh executed a bold queen sacrifice on move 39, a move that typically leaves opponents stunned. This aggressive play gave him material advantage with an extra knight and rook, though he sacrificed his most powerful piece. For much of the subsequent play, Gukesh's two rooks aggressively pursued Sindarov's king across the board while the Uzbek's queen remained trapped in a corner.
Despite holding a winning position from move 38 onward, Gukesh couldn't secure victory. Sindarov found a fortunate escape on move 70, and the game concluded in a draw eight moves later. The result left Gukesh visibly shocked at the board, having dominated for hours only to share the point.
Pragmatic Approach Against Van Foreest
The following day brought a different challenge against Jorden van Foreest. Initially, Gukesh signaled his fighting spirit with an aggressive bishop move to g5 on his 14th turn. This contrasted with a safer alternative that would have led to piece exchanges.
However, Gukesh soon recognized van Foreest's dangerous passed pawn on the 'a' file. Facing this persistent threat, the world champion opted for pragmatism over his usual combative style. He accepted a relatively quick draw, demonstrating strategic flexibility in a tournament where every point matters.
Historical Context at Wijk aan Zee
The Tata Steel Chess tournament has presented both triumph and heartbreak for Gukesh throughout his career. In 2024, he narrowly missed the title in blitz tiebreaks against China's Wei Yi after finishing in a four-way tie for first place. The following year, his attempt to begin his world championship reign with a tournament victory was thwarted by compatriot R Praggnanandhaa, again in tiebreaks.
That 2025 Tata Steel tournament represented Gukesh's closest brush with a title last year. His emotional reaction to the loss - leaping from his chair in visible frustration - highlighted how much these competitions mean to the typically reserved teenager.
Looking Ahead to a Crucial Year
This tournament marks Gukesh's first classical chess event of 2026, a year that holds special significance as he prepares to defend his world championship title in December. After what many considered a below-par performance in 2025, each tournament this year will be closely analyzed by the global chess community.
The chess world watches intently for signs of Gukesh's form and preparation. While he remains winless after two rounds in Wijk aan Zee, he maintains an undefeated record. His ability to navigate challenging positions and make strategic decisions under pressure will be crucial as the tournament progresses and the world championship defense approaches.
Gukesh's journey at the Tata Steel Chess continues, with the chess community eagerly anticipating whether he can convert his fighting spirit into decisive victories in the coming rounds.
