Gukesh doesn't need to prove anything to anyone: Srinath's reply to doubters

D GUKESH became the youngest-ever world champion in history in Singapore last year, but his achievement has not been acknowledged gleefully by players like Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik.

- ASHOK VENUGOPAL @ Chennai

D GUKESH became the youngest-ever world champion in history in Singapore last year, but his achievement has not been acknowledged gleefully by players like Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik. Now Norwegian GM Jon Ludvig Hammer has questioned the ability of Gukesh to be the world champion for a longer period.

The main reason for these doubts is Gukesh's poor show during the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. Many former players commented that Gukesh did not play like a world champ at the Freestyle event. But GM and noted coach Srinath N backs Gukesh to come good in the coming tournaments and perhaps go on to defend his crown.