Gukesh Holds Over 50% Chance to Become Youngest World Champion, Says FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky

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Indian chess sensation D Gukesh is seen as a strong contender to become the youngest world champion, according to FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky.

The 18-year-old is set to face defending champion Ding Liren in a 14-round World Chess Championship match starting Monday. Sutovsky believes Gukesh has more than a 50% chance of winning, stating, "His chances are not less than 50 per cent... I would say higher."

Sutovsky highlighted Ding's underwhelming performance this year as a factor favouring Gukesh. The Indian recently led his team to a historic gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. However, Sutovsky warned against dismissing Ding's potential, noting the Chinese Grandmaster's ability to regain form. "I think it would be very exciting, not because I'm officially here, but as a fan," he said.

Chess Championship Expectations

Sutovsky anticipates an exciting match with potential surprises for fans. He expects a close contest with unexpected twists throughout. "The question on how high can Gukesh go," he remarked, suggesting that the match could be unpredictable. Despite speculations about Ding's form, Sutovsky believes the Chinese player will be a worthy opponent.

At 32, Ding brings more experience than Gukesh, which could be advantageous in prolonged matches. Sutovsky noted that younger players often struggle against older ones in lengthy games. "It's also where your experience tells more in the final part of the game," he explained, adding that experience helps handle pressure better.

Physical Endurance in Chess

The importance of physical fitness in chess has been widely discussed, especially for enduring long hours on the board. However, Sutovsky argues that beyond a certain point, physical endurance becomes less critical. "I'm not sure that you need exactly physical shape on a seven-hour game actually," he said.

Sutovsky shared his experience and conversations with other players, noting that fatigue typically sets in after four or five hours. He explained that by the sixth or seventh hour, positions are often simplified, allowing players to rely on intuition rather than extensive calculations.

The upcoming match between Gukesh and Ding promises to be an intriguing battle of skill and strategy. While Gukesh enters as a favourite due to recent successes, Ding's experience and potential for recovery add an element of unpredictability. Chess enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of this highly anticipated championship clash.