Chess

Chess world champion D Gukesh opens up about his goals for the year 2025

Gukesh said that he wants to win as many competitions as he can going forward in his career

Erigaisi, Gukesh sit 4th and 5th in the latest world chess rankings

Indian Grandmasters Arjun Erigiasi and World Champions D Gukesh retained their fourth and fifth spot respectively in the chess rankings released on Wednesday. Erigiasi, who became the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand and 16th worldwide to reach the gold-standard ELO rating of 2800, continues to have 2801 rating points for the fourth sport. While 18-year-old Gukesh, who defeated Ding Liren of China to win the World Championships title last month, is one place below Erigaisi at fifth with 2783 ratings. Norwegian Magnus Carlsen continued to be at the top spot with 2831 ratings, followed by the American duo of Fabiano Caruana (2803) and Hikaru Nakamura (2802). Anand is the third Indian in the top 10, occupying the 10th spot with an ELO rating of 2750. Apart from Erigaisi, Gukesh and Anand six more Indians, including R Praggnandhaa (13th), Aravindh Chithambaram (23), Vidit Gujarathi (24), Pentala Harikrishna (36), Nihal Sarin (41st) and Raunak Sadhwani (48), feature

For all his good qualities, he is not ready for FIDE job: Carlsen on Anand

World number one Magnus Carlsen on Monday criticised senior FIDE officials, including its deputy president Viswanathan Anand, for mishandling the dress code violation issue, calling them "not grown-ups" and stating that the Indian was "not ready for the job." A couple of days after being disqualified from the Rapid event at the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship for refusing to change into formal trousers, Carlsen was confirmed for the Blitz event following FIDE's decision to allow players to compete in jeans. Describing the decision to disqualify him as "draconian," the Norwegian called the officials "robots" who are not capable of making independent decisions. "Well, first of all, let's go back to a couple of days ago. I did have some choice words for FIDE in my interview with you. And I would say that it was a bit imprecise. I definitely mean it when it comes to certain people in FIDE. No question about it," the Norwegian told 'Take Take Take, an app he is co-promoting. "I

World Chess Blitz Championship: Carlsen returns after dispute over jeans

Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans. Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing appropriate jeans with a jacket, and other elegant minor deviations from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday highlighted a need for more discussion to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport. Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play and wear jeans in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side, the .

Didn't want to disqualify him, but Carlsen left us with no choice: Anand

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand said FIDE didn't want to disqualify Magnus Carlsen from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship, but the Norwegian left them with no choice after refusing to follow the rules. Defending champion Carlsen was fined USD 200 for wearing jeans, which are "explicitly prohibited" under tournament regulations and when he refused the request by chief arbiter Alex Holowczak to change his attire right after the eighth round, he was disqualified. He was not paired for Round 9 of the Rapid championship, taking place at Wall Street. "He simply refused to follow the rules, left us with little choice. Today this decision seemed emotional. Magnus was not willing to compromise," Anand, the deputy president of chess' global governing body, told Chessbase India. "Obviously, it was not a step we wanted to take. We offered several options (to Magnus). The arbiter said that as long as Magnus changed his jeans before the ninth round, it would be fine. "But

PM Modi calls chess champion Gukesh an embodiment of calmness, humility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met newly-crowned chess world champion D Gukesh and described him as a confident young player who was an embodiment of calmness and humility. Gukesh, 18, displayed remarkable poise and nerves of steel to defeat China's Ding Liren in Singapore to become the youngest chess world champion, surpassing Russian great Garry Kasparov, who won the crown in 1985 at 22. "Had an excellent interaction with chess champion and India's pride, DGukesh!" the PM posted on 'X' after meeting Gukesh and his parents here. "I have been closely interacting with him for a few years now, and what strikes me most about him is his determination and dedication. His confidence is truly inspiring. "In fact, I recall seeing a video of his few years ago where he had said he would become the youngest world champion - a prediction that has now clearly come true thanks to his own efforts," Modi wrote. Gukesh became only the second Indian after the great Viswanathan Anand to cl

Arjun secures joint fifth place after first day of World Rapid Chess

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi opened his campaign with four wins and a solitary loss in the World Rapid Chess Championship to be tied fifth even as defending champion Magnus Carlsen endured a frustrating day, managing to log just one victory here. Carlsen of Norway could not find his mojo drew three games and a late loss against Russian Denis Lazavik. Another Indian to impress was 13-year-old Raunak Sadhwani, who provided glimpse of his promise by taking down one of pre-event favourites Alireza Firouzja of France on Thursday. With the first five rounds done and eight more still to come in USD 550,000 championship, Murzin Volodar of Russia, Shant Sargsyan of Armenia and the American duo of Daniel Naroditsky and Lenier Dominguez Perez share the lead on 4.5 points apiece. Arjun and Sadhwani are in the next group of 11 players who share the fifth spot on four points each. It is an impressive list that includes the likes of Hikaru Nakamura of United States, Nodirbek Abdusattorov of .

This chess genius got a little bored, so he is reinventing the game now

With bold innovations like heart rate monitors, randomised boards and reality-style confession booths, Magnus Carlsen's Freestyle Chess aims to transform the game-but how far will it go? Read more

Arjun Erigaisi receives US Visa for World Rapid and Blitz Championships

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi breathed a sigh of relief after receiving his US visa to compete in the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York, beginning December 26. The world No 4 Indian had appealed to the US Embassy on Friday to expedite the process of granting him the necessary visa to participate in the tournament, which will feature top players such as Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Boris Gelfand. "I have received the US Visa! I am honestly overwhelmed and very grateful for so much positive response to my situation," Erigaisi wrote on his 'X' handle. "Thank you to the @USAndIndia & @USAmbIndia for the quick turn around! Thank you @MEAIndia @anandmahindra @narangnitin @aicfchess @IndiaSports @FIDE_chess @USChess @QBResearch @mgd1_esports journalists and many other well wishers who went out of their way to make this happen. "I hope to make all of you and our country proud of my achievements. New York here I come," he added. On ...

Gukesh's victory solidifies India's position as a Chess Superpower

The image of a smiling D Gukesh standing with outstretched hands will forever be embossed in the memory of a nation of billions. The moment, which came right after his victory over Ding Liren of China in the World Chess Championship in Singapore, was a bold signature on India's rise as a true global chess super power in the post Viswanathan Anand era. Year 2024 was a story of resurgence in Indian chess, crafted by Anand himself. The fearless and ambitious teenagers or "Vishy's children" as Garry Kasparov calls them, now have a role model to emulate -- an 18-year-old from Chennai, the youngest ever world champion in the long history of chess. But the genesis of that success was during the FIDE Candidates tournament in April. He emerged as the youngest ever winner of that tournament, setting up a title clash with 32-year-old defending champion Liren. The Gukesh moment ============== Gukesh was viewed as the favourite going into the title matches, consisting of 14 rounds. That tag

Chess star Tania Sachdev seeks recognition; Delhi CM Atishi responds

Olympiad gold-winning Indian chess player Tania Sachdev on Monday lamented the "lack of recognition" from the government of Delhi, prompting chief minister Atishi to reach out to her for "thoughts and suggestions" on the matter. The 38-year-old Arjuna Awardee, who is based in the national capital, said the Delhi government is yet to acknowledge her achievements. "Having played for India since 2008, it's disheartening to see a lack of recognition from the Delhi government for achievements in chess. States that support and celebrate their champions, directly inspire excellence and motivate talent. Sadly, Delhi has yet to take this step," she posted on her 'X' account. "In 2022 Chess Olympiad I came back with a historic team bronze and an individual medal. Two years later 2024, the historic Chess Olympic gold, and till date there has been no acknowledgment or recognition by the state govt," she said. She tagged Atishi and her ruling Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, urging them

GM Erigaisi asks US Embassy for visa to play in World Rapid and Blitz

With time running out, Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi on Friday appealed to the United States Embassy to expedite the process of granting him the necessary visa to compete in the World Rapid & Blitz Championship, beginning in New York in less than a week. Around 300 chess players, including the world's top-rated player and former world champion in classical chess, Magnus Carlsen, and three former World Championship challengers, Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Boris Gelfand, among others will be in action in the championship to be held from December 26 to 31. Erigaisi also requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) to help him get the visa. "@USAndIndia Last week I submitted my passport to you for visa stamping and it still has not been returned. I request you to please expedite the process and return my passport as soon as possible as I need it for my travel to New York for World Rapid ...

Money isn't the reason I play chess: Gukesh after winning the World C'ship

The "multi-millionaire" tag does "mean a lot" to new world champion D Gukesh but he doesn't play the game for material gains but for that unbridled joy, which he has been able to retain since the time a chess board used to be the "coolest toy" for him. Gukesh, the 18-year-old from Chennai, is now richer by Rs 11.45 crore which he will receive from FIDE as prize money for beating Ding Liren of China in the final. Gukesh's father Rajnikanth gave up his career as an ENT surgeon to accompany his son on the circuit while mother Padmakumari, who is a microbiologist, became the sole earner of the family. Asked what exactly does being a multi-millionaire mean to him, Gukesh said, "It means a lot. When I got into chess, we (as a family) had to make some hard decisions. My parents had gone through financial and emotional hardships. Now, we are more comfortable and parents don't need to think about those things," Gukesh told FIDE in an interview. "Personally, money isn't the reason I play ...

World Chess Champion D Gukesh arrives in Chennai

Chessboard promises: Gukesh's win reflects India's growing prowess

Gukesh, for instance, has a five-year sponsorship deal, and his campaign for the world title was backed by a team of six top players who helped with analysis and preparation

Indian community in Singapore celebrates Gukesh's historic chess victory

Newly crowned chess world champion D Gukesh was felicitated by the Indian community here on Saturday, marking his historic achievement of becoming the youngest ever to win the title in the sport's history. The 18-year-old claimed the world title by beating China's Ding Liren in Singapore on Thursday. The two faced each other in a fourteen-game classical chess match. At a reception organised by the Indian High Commission here, he was felicitated by about 150 members of the Indian disapora, led by High Commissioner Dr Shilpak Ambule. Speaking on the occasion, the envoy said, "It was a Gukesh win no matter what others say." Wishing the young champion many wins in his endeavour, Ambule said, "We are proud of Gukesh and the win." During the event, the world champion obliged all diaspora members with personal photos. We are proud of his win. It was very magical moment his calm and focussed approach won him the championship, said Shiwani Khirwal, President of BiJhar Singapore, a societ

The chessboard whisperers: Mental coaches in demand after Gukesh's success

With Paddy Upton's client, Gukesh, proving spectacularly successful, chess prodigies from around the world will be in the market for mental coaches

Chessboard to billboards: Edtech, banks, and IT firms eye Brand Gukesh

Brands ranging from information technology, education technology apps, coaching classes, banks, and fintech companies are expected to rush to sign him on as a brand ambassador

World Chess Championship: Puducherry Lt. Guv hails Gukesh's historic win

Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry K Kailashnathan has hailed the "historic win" by D Gukesh in the World Chess Championship on Thursday. He said that Gukesh, hailing from Tamil Nadu, has "scripted history" by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at 18, in a game played in Singapore. Gukesh dethroned China's Ding Liren on his way to the historic triumph, sealing it in the 14th and last game of a see-saw battle. The teenager became only the second Indian to clinch the title after five-time champion Anand, who played a pivotal role in shaping Gukesh's career at his chess academy in Chennai. "He has done India proud, and his victory is the culmination of his sustained efforts and the coaching he has received. The victory is inspiring confidence and motivating the younger generation. I extend my greetings and felicitations to Gukesh on his record-breaking achievement," the Lt. Governor said in a release.

'Living my dream,' says Gukesh after becoming youngest world chess champion

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday congratulated D Gukesh for becoming the youngest player to win the world chess championship and said he has done India immensely proud