D Gukesh Responds to Magnus Carlsen’s Criticism of World Chess Championship Victory

D Gukesh made history on Thursday by defeating Ding Liren to become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. The victory came after a tense Game 14, where Liren’s critical blunder handed Gukesh a 7.5-6.5 win. Gukesh’s emotional victory was met with widespread congratulations from fans and commentators, but it also sparked criticism from some chess elites, including former world champion Vladimir Kramnik and Magnus Carlsen.

Kramnik called the match the “end of chess as we know it,” criticizing the quality of play, while Carlsen echoed his sentiments, comparing the match to a “second or third-round match of an open tournament.” Carlsen’s remarks particularly focused on the standard of play, suggesting that it was far from the level expected in a World Chess Championship final.

Gukesh’s Response to Criticism
In response to Carlsen’s comments, Gukesh offered a measured perspective. When asked if he was hurt by the criticism, he told BBC World, “Not really.” He acknowledged that the quality of some games might not have been at its best but emphasized that World Championship matches are not only determined by pure chess skills but also by character and willpower. “I think those qualities, I did show quite well,” he stated.

Gukesh went on to explain that the pressure and workload of the championship, being his first experience in such a high-stakes event, contributed to some of his subpar performances. “It’s understandable that I was a bit off, but I managed to strike at the critical moments, which I am happy about,” he added.

Support from Viswanathan Anand
Despite the criticism from some corners, Gukesh received praise from Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, who expressed his support for the young champion. Gukesh was officially crowned the World Chess Champion on Friday in Singapore, capping off an unforgettable achievement in Indian sports.