It has just been 24 hours since he had made it to the Candidates. A huge achievement for the 17-year-old prodigy, and yet another momentous occasion for Indian chess with three players from India in a group of eight. “Candidates was the most important goal I had set out to achieve in 2023 and I am delighted I have been able to fulfil that goal,” said an elated, yet composed D Gukesh. Speaking about how he had almost given up hope ahead of the Chennai turnaround, Gukesh spoke of the influence of Viswanathan Anand and a lot more in this New Year Edition of Backstage with Boria.
Boria: Many congratulations on making it to the Candidates. At one point, it seemed to be a road too far. What had started as a spectacular year looked to have been derailed somewhat in the second half of the year and then it all came back with the Chennai tournament. How do you look back?
Gukesh: Yes you are right. Things did get difficult, and I had almost given up hope. 2023 had started very well for me and I was playing really well and the results were showing. But then, I lost a bit of form and may be played too much and it seemed to go downhill in Qatar and the Asian Games. When I came back to Chennai in November, I did not think I could make it. But then, I agreed to participate in the London and Chennai competitions because it was my last chance. In London, I realised that my game was coming back. I had a couple of accidents and did not win, but then in Chennai, it was a dream tournament for me. May I say I am delighted to have made the Candidates, for that’s what I had set out to do at the start of 2023. It is a really big achievement for me.
Boria: You are 17, and the list of achievements is quite astounding. In 2023, you became the highest-rated Indian player after 36 years. To get to the top spot ahead of Anand must have been emotional. Did that put a lot of pressure on you?
Gukesh: Yes, you are right. It was a great feeling to be at the top, and making it past someone like Vishy Sir. He is one of the greatest players of all time, and when I look back, I do think I put a lot of pressure on myself soon after it happened. After September, I did not play well until it all changed again for the better in London and then Chennai. But more than making it to the top of the Indian rankings, my goal for 2023 was always to make it to the Candidates. That was priority, and I am glad I have been able to do so.
Boria: Three Indians in the eight who qualified for the Candidates. Tells us about the depth and strength of Indian chess. Your thoughts?
Gukesh: Yes, absolutely. I don’t think any other country except the Soviet Union/Russia had three or more qualifiers for the Candidates in the past. It shows the depth and quality in our chess, and may I say that Indian chess has a very bright future. There is no reason why we won’t be able to dominate world chess in the future.
Boria: It is excellent to see the bond between you and Anand. He has spoken to me about you in the past, and today he tweeted congratulating you. In many ways, it all goes back to him. Tell me a little about the impact Anand has had on you.
Gukesh: It all started with Vishy sir. There is no debate that had it not been for him, none of us would be there. He paved the way. He has given us the self-belief, and is a role model. With WACA, he has made a huge difference to every young player, and for me personally, I have been fortunate to discuss chess with him on many occasions and each has been a hugely learning experience. Indian chess owes him a lot.
Boria: Anand mentioned that you two had once played table tennis together during the Olympiad when he had spoken to you after a bad loss. For him to reach out to you during the Olympiad is why we love sport so much. It was sport at its best. Tell me one such story which stands out for you.
Gukesh: There are many, and you are right about the Olympiad. But, for me, the other occasion that stands out is when I had become GM and had visited Vishy Sir at his house, and got an opportunity to discuss chess with him. It was the first such occasion, and will forever be a memorable one for me.
Boria: Finally, have you started thinking about the Candidates? Three months, and you will be in Toronto for April 2.
Gukesh: I will give all I can to be the best prepared and do my absolute best in Toronto. I am confident I am ready for the Candidates and should be able to perform to potential. I am grateful for all the support I have received, from my family and coaches, and everyone who has backed me to make it to the Candidates. I will do all I can to stand up to the confidence shown in me.
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