Chess
‘Not a True World Championship': Kasparov on Gukesh vs Ding Liren
As anticipation builds for the Gukesh vs Ding Liren World Championship, Garry Kasparov suggests the match lacks the essence of a true title contest.
Indian grandmaster D Gukesh playing against reigning world champion Ding Liren in Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T Challenge. (Photo Credits: Chessbase India)
Former world champion Garry Kasparov has voiced a strong opinion on the upcoming World Chess Championship match between Gukesh and Ding Liren, questioning its legitimacy without what he considers a match for the title of the world’s best player.
Kasparov, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, remarked that a true World Championship must crown the best in the world, a tradition he feels is missing in this year’s contest.
“My hottest take is that I don’t treat this as a World Championship match,” Kasparov shared in a recent YouTube video for the St. Louis Chess Club, where top grandmasters were asked for their thoughts on the upcoming Gukesh vs Ding Liren match.
“The history of World Championship matches began with Steinitz facing Zukertort in 1886, and in my view, it ended recently,” he explained, adding that each past world champion had earned the title by defeating the best of their era.
While Kasparov respects both competitors, he tipped Gukesh as the potential favorite. "With all due respect, Ding Liren playing Gukesh is an important event. It’s a FIDE event. I think Gukesh is a favorite because the way Ding Liren has been playing lately is kind of a shadow of the old Ding Liren we all remember," Kasparov remarked, adding that Ding would need a strong comeback to deliver a thrilling match.
"But,” he continued, “it’s an event that has nothing to do with the main idea of the World Championship match, which is to crown the best player on the planet.”
Kasparov also weighed in on the lengthy 18-month qualification system, which he described as outdated in the era of faster-paced chess, supporting recent decisions to step away from the format. "Though probably I would have acted differently, it was the correct choice to move on. He’s playing better chess now, and it shows he’s enjoying the game."
