World chess champion D Gukesh breaks silence on criticism: ‘They have a right to say’

NEW DELHI: D Gukesh has admitted that criticism of his recent performances is justified and said he understands why former champions have questioned his form.The reigning world champion, who will defend his title this year, said he had not played up to expectations over the past 18 months but remained focused on improving.Ahead of the Norwegian Chess Tournament, Gukesh was quoted by news agency PTI as saying, “I don’t see most of it (critical comments from former greats) but there are some that I have heard and I think it is fair.”He added: “They (critics) have the right to say what they feel and I have the right to do my best.”Ever since Gukesh became world champion in 2024 when he defeated Ding Liren, he has struggled for consistency. He finished 10th in Tata Steel Chess, ninth in Prague and sixth at the Superbet Rapid & Blitz event in Poland.Several chess legends, including Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Anatoly Karpov, have openly questioned the quality of his recent games. Karpov even claimed that Gukesh won the world title “by accident”.Gukesh said that defending his world title will be tougher than his first win because of more pressure and expectations. However, he insisted his main focus remains simple, adding: “Yeah, I’ll try my best to win.”The young Indian also reflected on Carlsen’s viral response to the tables after losing to him last year, saying such moments help attract more people to chess and draw attention to the sport globally.

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