Reigning world chess champion D. Gukesh has adopted a relaxed approach ahead of the high-stakes season-ending FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, which commence in Doha on Friday. The 19-year-old grandmaster stated he is participating without heavy expectations, viewing the million-euro prize-money event as an opportunity to experiment and savor the game.
A Season of Ups and Downs
Gukesh arrives in Qatar following a challenging period in his chess career, which included an early exit from the recent FIDE World Cup in Goa. Acknowledging that rapid and blitz formats have historically been a lower priority compared to classical chess, the Indian prodigy emphasized a shift in focus this year. "I have been taking rapid and blitz a bit more seriously this year," Gukesh remarked during a pre-tournament media interaction. "That being said, this is an event which I don't have a lot of expectations. I'm here just to play, you know, just experiment, enjoy and play chess with aim of having fun."
Strong Indian Contingent Faces Stiff Competition
Gukesh is part of a formidable Indian delegation at the tournament. The Open section features R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, P Harikrishna, and Vidit Gujrathi, alongside a brigade of other young talents. A strong cohort is also present in the Women's section. However, the field is expected to be dominated by the likes of five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen and Iranian-French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja. Carlsen, the defending Blitz world champion, shared his contrasting philosophy on mindset, advocating for an optimistic outlook. "The best state of mind... is that you want to be somewhere in between optimistic and delusional," Carlsen said, adding that he believes Gukesh possesses a positive attitude.
Strategy: Play Fast and Survive
Gukesh revealed that his preparation included valuable practice from the recent Global Chess League in Mumbai, where he faced strong opponents in rapid games. His strategy for Doha is straightforward: "play fast and try to focus on each game and make the most of it." He also opened up about his approach to difficult positions on the board, highlighting survivability as a key mantra. "In tough situations, the biggest motivation is not to lose. You try to just hang on... and keep doing that for a long period of time and (hope the opponent) makes mistakes," Gukesh explained. This resilience, he noted, is a hallmark of strong defenders.
Despite his recent form dip after a notable victory over Carlsen at Norway Chess earlier this year, Gukesh remains a pivotal figure in the tournament. His participation, along with India's deep bench of young grandmasters, underscores the country's rising dominance in global chess. The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha promise thrilling, fast-paced action as the world's best vie for the prestigious titles.
