D Gukesh says criticism is fair as he starts Norway Chess against Vincent Keymer

Reigning world champion D Gukesh said the criticism aimed at recent results did not unsettle D Gukesh. D Gukesh, who turns 20 on May 29, is in Oslo for the Norway Chess Tournament.

D Gukesh opens against Germanys Vincent Keymer on Monday. The event is part of preparations for a world title defence against challenger Javokhir Sindarov later this year.

Gukesh said some remarks from past greats reached D Gukesh, and D Gukesh accepted them. "Most of it critical comments made by former greats I dont see, but there are some that I have heard and I think its fair,\" said Gukesh on Sunday. \"I have not been performing well in the last one-and-a-half year and I think I would say that my performances have been way below expectations. They critics have the right to say what they feel and I have the right to do my best,\" added the reticent teenager while seated alongside one of his critics, former world champion Magnus Carlsen.

Norway Chess Tournament and Gukesh preparation

Gukesh said Norway Chess and the Chess Olympiad were the only confirmed events before the title match. \"Yes, Norway Chess and the Olympiad are the two tournaments I will be playing, there are more which I am considering,\" said Gukesh. D Gukesh pulled out of all classical events on the Grand Chess Tour. The schedule change followed a difficult run in recent months.

The recent results included a 10th-place finish at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament. D Gukesh then placed ninth at the Prague International Chess Festival. D Gukesh later finished sixth at the Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland on the Grand Chess Tour. D Gukesh said strong results in Oslo would help rebuild momentum before the match against Sindarov.

World title debate and Norway Chess reaction

Several leading figures questioned the 2024 World Championship match quality in Singapore. Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi downplayed the 2024 win over Chinas Ding Liren. Nepomniachtchi said the Indian just plays badly at times. Former world champion Anatoly Karpov said Gukesh won the crown by accident. Carlsen also raised doubts about the standard shown.

Carlsen, the world number one, is seeking a record-extending eighth Norway Chess title at home. Gukesh will again share the field with Carlsen in Oslo. Sindarov is also in the city. Sindarov is expected to watch Gukesh closely before the later world championship meeting. The contest is one of the most watched clashes on the calendar.

World Championship venue and pressure for Gukesh

Gukesh said the venue for the World Championship match did not matter for preparation. Still, D Gukesh said an India venue would feel special. \"Anywhere would be nice... In India theres always a lot of pressure. The World Championships will attract a lot of attention. If its in India it will be supercool and I will be very happy,\" he added. D Gukesh noted home expectations would be heavy.

Gukesh said winning a title and defending it demanded different approaches. D Gukesh agreed defence was harder than a first win. \"Surely there are different mindsets going into winning both the matches and many people have said that defending a title is more difficult than actually winning it. So for sure, there is a lot of expectation and pressure of not wanting to lose.But at the end of the day the basic thing is to go there and play good chess. Yeah, Ill try my best to win,\" he said.

Norway Chess 2025 moment and Gukesh view

Gukesh also recalled a viral moment from Norway Chess 2025. Carlsen, frustrated after losing to Gukesh, banged the table in exasperation. The clip spread widely and was watched by millions. Asked if D Gukesh wanted a repeat, Gukesh said the attention helped chess. \"My job is to play chess. That winning or losing is not in my control. But that moment in general I guess speaks about...chess players generally dont show a lot of emotions but when it did happen, a lot of people got attracted to chess,\" he concluded.

With inputs from PTI