Chess
'D Gukesh favourite for World Chess C'ship': Praggnanandhaa, Wesley
D Gukesh will play Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship, scheduled to be played from November 25-December 15 in Singapore.
R Praggnanandhaa and Wesley So are in Kolkata to play at the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa on Tuesday named D Gukesh as the favourite to win the World Chess Championship title against China's Ding Liren. The World Championship is scheduled to be played from November 25-December 15 in Singapore.
Gukesh at 17 became the youngest player to win the Candidates in April, resulting in his qualification for the World Championship. He has been in phenomenal form, helping India win the historic gold medal at the 45th Chess Olympiad earlier this year.
Liren, however, has been going through a patchy phase of his career. He has failed to register a single win in the Classical format since January.
"Gukesh is definitely the favourite, considering his recent form," Praggnanandhaa told the media on the sidelines of Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz opening.
"But the World Championship is a different tournament altogether," he added. " I am sure Gukesh is preparing really well. We will see how the match goes," said Praggnanandhhaa, who faces Magnus Carlsen in the first round of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz in Kolkata.
Also backing Gukesh in the upcoming 14-round World Championship was Filipino-American GM Wesley So, contesting at the Tata Steel Chess India starting Wednesday.
"I am looking forward to it. World Championship matches are some of my favourite events to watch in any sport. One of the best was the 2018 Magnus vs Fabiano match; I watched till 3 in the morning. It was an explosion of ideas. It's going to be interesting," Wesley said.
"I know 99.9 per cent of the people are rooting for Gukesh because we are in India, and I am also rooting for Gukesh. I talked to many GMs, and they think it will not last 14 games. We will see what happens."
Meanwhile, talking about the first-round match-up against Carlsen at the Kolkata event, the 19-year-old Indian grandmaster Praggnanandhhaa said, "It would be quite exciting to open with Magnus. I'm hoping to give my best and see what happens."
"For sure, everyone is excited to play Magnus. It is also good for the tournament. He is the best player. It is really exciting for all players," added Praggnanandhhaa.
The Chennai-based player is optimistic about using his experience playing in the previous editions of the tournament in Kolkata.
"I have played a lot in Kolkata; except for 2019, I've played in all editions. My past experience has definitely helped me," he signed off.
