D Gukesh is favourite to lift the World Championship title against Ding Liren, hinted legendary Viswanathan Anand. Speaking to India Today in an exclusive interview, Vishy Anand said that Gukesh was playing chess at a much higher level than the rest of the competition and should hold the advantage over Liren who has dropped form over in the recent times. Anand’s comments came on the back of India’s dominating victory in the Chess Olympiad 2024.
The young Indian Grand Master won his second individual gold medal in a row at the Chess Olympiad on Sunday, September 22. Playing in Budapest, Gukesh guided India to their first-ever Olympiad win in the men’s division. Gukesh remained unbeaten in the tournament in 2024, securing 9 wins and a draw from his 10 matches on the top board.
“See for Gukesh. this is a sensational result. You know, terms he has performed at a 3000 clip. Just to give you an idea. The top players in the world are there’s one in 2800 and most of them are in the 2700, So he’s performed at a clip about 200-250 points higher. That’s in fact, too good. I don’t even know what he can take more to the match in Singapore. But he can go there with confidence. He has been able to focus well, he’s disciplined, he doesn’t get distracted by all the other things, and he plays the main game. That’s a lot to take with you,” Viswanathan Anand told India Today.
“But, Ding again had a very understated performance here in the Olympiad. He’s been struggling all year but from Gukesh’s point of view and I think he knows this well enough and he’s hardwired into him. He must go there and treat Ding just like he treats every other opponent. That is very, very seriously and do his best. And that’s it,” Anand further added.
D Gukesh’s rise since 2022: A Timeline
Gukesh’s performance in the Chess Olympiad 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. He has demonstrated exceptional skill and maturity, traits that have been highlighted throughout his young career. In the eighth round, Gukesh defeated Iran’s Parham Maghsoodloo with the black pieces, employing the Dubov variation in a Queen pawn game. This victory showcased his tactical acumen and ability to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes, particularly as the game entered the critical phase of the first time-control.
Gukesh’s wins propelled him to a live rating of 2785, bringing him very close to the coveted 2800 rating mark. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given his age. If Gukesh crosses the 2800 barrier, he will become only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to do so and just the 16th player in chess history to reach this milestone.
