Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov has praised Indian teen D Gukesh for becoming the youngest world chess champion. However, he believes Gukesh’s achievement comes in a different era—one where Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen is still considered the best player in the world by most standards.
Gukesh Created History at 17
Last year, 17-year-old Gukesh made headlines by defeating China’s Ding Liren in a 14-game battle to win the World Chess Championship. This made him the youngest world champion ever, breaking Kasparov’s own record. Kasparov had won the title at age 22 in 1985 after beating fellow Russian Anatoly Karpov.
“A Great Achievement, But Magnus Looms Large”
Speaking to the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube channel during the Superbet Chess Classic in Romania, Kasparov said:
“It’s a phenomenal accomplishment. But I beat the strongest player in the world. Gukesh is in a different situation because Magnus is there.”
Kasparov acknowledged Gukesh as the official world champion but said Carlsen is still seen as a stronger player in general.
Carlsen vs FIDE: A Different Battle
Carlsen, the current world number one, has chosen not to compete in the official world championship cycle. Instead, he is focused on launching a new freestyle chess tour. However, FIDE (the world chess governing body) has stated that it alone has the authority to organize the official world championship match.
“Vishy’s Children” – The New Indian Chess Generation
Kasparov also spoke highly of the new generation of Indian chess players, calling them “Vishy’s children” as a tribute to five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who has inspired many young Indian talents.
Kasparov: “Gukesh Still Has Time to Improve”
Kasparov believes Gukesh’s journey is just beginning and that he has a lot of potential for growth:
“He has plenty of room and plenty of time to improve. That’s a challenge I’m sure he is dealing with.”
Ding Liren’s Struggles After COVID
Kasparov also commented on Gukesh’s opponent, Ding Liren, saying that the Chinese grandmaster was not at his best. Ding reportedly faced psychological struggles after the COVID-19 pandemic and had even taken a break from chess.
“Ding at his best against Magnus… that would be a match! But COVID ruined him. He was still resilient but not the same player.”
Gukesh Deserved the Win
Despite Ding’s brave fight, Kasparov said Gukesh was the stronger player throughout the world championship match in Singapore.
“Gukesh was always ahead. Ding fought heroically and nearly saved the match. But I think the result was justified. Gukesh was a better player.”
