Gukesh getting used to role as world champion: Anand

FIVE-TIME World chess champion Vishwanathan Anand believed that World Champion Gukesh will recover well before defending his title in the upcoming World Cup in Goa starting October 31.

- ASHOK VENUGOPAL @ Chennai

Ever since he won the world crown, Gukesh's form has been up and down and questions over his capability to defend his title has risen. "He is having a bumpy time for sure. In the Swiss Grand, it was a bit extreme because he needs to win a lot of games. It could have been a combination of factors. I was still optimistic (after his performance in) Norway Chess, but after that, I think he is having a difficult time. But he has a whole year to get ready," Anand told this daily, in an awards function hosted by CREDAI.