Gujrathi denies link between criticism of Gukesh and FIDE-Freestyle Chess feud, backs world champion to shine in Norway

Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi also shielded Classical world champion D Gukesh from criticism over his underwhelming performances in the two Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour events that have taken place so far, stating that Standard chess remains his strength.

Gukesh Dommaraju has been facing criticism from the likes of Magnus Carlsen ever since he
defeated China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest world champion in chess history. Despite the 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster going on to finish second at the Tata Steel Chess in Netherlands right after the World Championship, his
underwhelming performances in the ongoing Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour have given his critics more ammunition to question his credentials as someone who truly deserved to be counted among the world’s best.

Fellow Indian GM Vidit Gujrathi, however, came to Gukesh’s rescue, stating that while Gukesh takes his time to adapt to other formats, he remained a force to be reckoned with in the Classical format and backed him to shine at the Norway Chess later this month.

Gujrathi also denied comparison between Gukesh’s criticism as well as the ongoing feud between FIDE and the Carlsen-backed Freestyle Chess.

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