World Chess Champion D Gukesh breaks silence on criticism: 'They have the right to say'

NEW DELHI: D Gukesh has admitted that criticism over his recent performances is justified, saying he understands why former champions have questioned his form. The reigning world champion, who will defend his title later this year, said he has not played up to expectations over the last 18 months but remains focused on improving.Speaking ahead of the Norway Chess tournament, Gukesh, as quoted by news agency PTI, said, “Most of it (critical comments made by former greats) I don't see, but there are some that I have heard and I think it's fair.” He added, “They (critics) have the right to say what they feel and I have the right to do my best.”Since becoming world champion in 2024 by defeating Ding Liren, Gukesh has struggled for consistency. He finished 10th at Tata Steel Chess, ninth in Prague and sixth at the Superbet Rapid & Blitz event in Poland.Several chess legends, including Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Anatoly Karpov, have openly questioned the quality of his recent games. Karpov even claimed Gukesh won the world title “by accident”.Gukesh said defending the world title will be tougher than winning it for the first time because of the added pressure and expectations. However, he insisted his main focus remains simple, adding, “Yeah, I'll try my best to win.”The young Indian also reflected on Carlsen’s viral table-banging reaction after losing to him last year, saying moments like that help attract more people to chess and bring attention to the sport globally.