Carlsen, Gukesh in high-wire contest

LESS than an hour after winning the World Championship in Singapore, D Gukesh refused to acknowledge the significance of the title in relation to staking his claim to be the best in the world.

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

"This does not mean I'm the best player in the world," he had said in the post-tournament press conference. "Obviously, that's Magnus (Carlsen)."

It's why he had wanted to test himself in a Championship match also featuring the five-time world champion who had abdicated the throne in 2023. "Would love to test myself against Magnus," the Indian had continued. "I want to reach the level of greatness that Magnus has achieved."

Hours after Gukesh's challenge, the Norwegian simply said 'I'm not part of the circus,' thus closing the door on qualifying for the Candidates and potentially setting up a Championship match. Given that Carlsen, the current World No. 1 in Classical, will not put himself through the rigours of the World Championship cycle, it's safe to say that that tie will never happen.