Gukesh reminds me of myself from 2008-2009, says Magnus Carlsen
But, the five-time world champion opined that the youngsters have a lot more ground to make up in many aspects of the game in order to catch up with the experienced set, including himself, Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura.
Carlsen also likened Gukesh's current playing style to his from over 15 years ago, in terms of the lack of control over games.
'I think the kids are on track, but they're not way ahead of schedule. Looking at Gukesh play, I feel it's quite similar to what I was doing in 2008-2009, when I was breaking through. It wasn't always so pretty.
There was this tournament for instance, Linares 2008, where Vishy [Viswanathan Anand] was cruising in first place and I was just like playing crazy games and honestly getting more out of the positions than what my pure chess skill suggested,' said Carlsen after winning Norway Chess 2025.
FILE - Magnus Carlsen, in action against Russian Grand Master Peter Svidler during the Aker Chess Challenge in Gjoevik, central Norway, on January 2, 2009. | Photo Credit: AAS, ERLEND/AFP
Earlier in the tournament, Gukesh had claimed his first classical win over Carlsen and was in the race for a maiden Norway Chess title going into the final round. But the Indian Grand Master succumbed to a defeat to Caruana and eventually settled for third in the standings.
MORE DETAILS | Norway Chess 2025: Gukesh, Humpy finish third after late slip-ups; Carlsen, Muzychuk win title
Carlsen lauded Gukesh's ability to stay in title contention in elite tournaments, despite his error-prone ways.
'You can see in certain parts of the game, Gukesh and Arjun are far behind myself, Fabiano, and Hikaru. But we're also the very best players in the world. They're not supposed to be our equals in every part of the game.
The fact that Gukesh can actually fight for tournament victory despite having so many bad positions which he will probably not be happy with it himself; but it is encouraging and I think it's typical, that's what kids do as part of the process,' added Carlsen.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic out of Canadian Masters with injury blows - Spotlight shifts to Carlos Alcaraz
Wimbledon 2025 champion Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic have ruled themselves out of the 2025 Canadian Open, scheduled to start from July 26, due to injuries sustained during Wimbledon. They are not the only absentees, as British No. 1 Jack Draper has also withdrawn from the tournament with an arm injury. Draper remains hopeful of returning in time for the US Open. Italy's Jannik Sinner pulled out of Canadian Masters(AFP) "I'm really disappointed to be missing the National Bank Open in Toronto, especially as I have such fond memories of playing in Canada," Sinner, who picked up an elbow injury at SW19, said. "Winning that title in Toronto two years ago was the start of a really special moment for me, but after speaking with my team, I have to prioritise my health. 'I would like to thank Karl Hale, the tournament director, for everything he does, and I'm looking forward to returning to Canada and Toronto in the future to play in front of the great fans.' The Toronto Masters 1000, scheduled from July 27 to August 7, is set to miss several tennis superstars due to this year's crammed calendar, with Wimbledon concluding just two weeks prior. Sinner, Djokovic and Draper have already confirmed their absence due to injuries. According to Spanish outlet MARCA, Alcaraz may also skip the Canadian tournament. While his participation is not officially ruled out, Alcaraz has said he will listen to his body and take adequate rest to be in peak condition for the US Open, the season's final Grand Slam, held from August 24 to September 7. He will play in Cincinnati to play the Masters 1000 prior to the New York Grand Slam from August 7 to 18. Alcaraz will be coached by Samuel López in Ohio and Juan Carlos Ferrero in New York. Both were present during his campaigns in France and England. At the US Open, Alcaraz will have his first realistic opportunity to close the gap on Sinner for the world number 1 spot. He is defending just 50 points, compared to Sinner's 2,000. Across the entire American hard-court swing, Alcaraz has only 60 points to defend including just 10 from Cincinnati while Sinner stands to lose 200 points from skipping Canada and 3,000 points overall from his titles in Cincinnati and the US Open. Toronto will be the second Masters 1000 event the Spaniard misses this season, following his withdrawal from the Mutua Madrid Open due to a muscle injury. He also skipped Montreal last year, owing to its close proximity to the Paris Olympic Games. His most recent appearance in Canada came in 2023, where he reached the quarterfinals before losing to Tommy Paul. By missing Toronto, Alcaraz also loses the opportunity to close a 1,180-point gap with Sinner. While Sinner drops 180 points from last year's quarterfinal loss to Rublev, Alcaraz could have gained 1,000 by winning the title making this a significant missed opportunity in the battle for the top ranking. Novak Djokovic will also miss the Canadian Open due to fitness concerns following an awkward fall during his Wimbledon quarterfinal earlier this month against world number 18 Flavio Cobolli. This marks the seventh time he has skipped the tournament, with his last appearance in 2022. "After Wimbledon I picked up an injury in my left arm, nothing serious, but I have to make sure it recovers fully for the rest of the season," said the Serb. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to compete in Toronto and Cincinnati. See you in NYC."
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, Las Vegas 2025: Magnus Carlsen beats Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi to book third-place playoff vs Nakamura
Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen produced a stunning comeback, winning five games on the trot, to book a spot in the third-place playoff, against USA's Hikaru Nakamura, in the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Grand Slam on Sunday. Carlsen suffered a chaotic first-round loss to India's R. Praggnanandhaa in the Intermediate Round, before forcing a tiebreak with a win in the second round. The Norwegian GM then won both the 5+2 games, as he outwitted Praggnanandhaa tactically in time pressure. ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW - Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, Las Vegas 2025 Carlsen continued his rollicking run, as he trumped Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi in the lower-bracket semifinal, winning both games with ease. Nakamura will take on Carlsen for third place in the Freestyle Chess Las Vegas Grand Slam. | Photo Credit: Lennart Ootes/Freestyle Chess. Meanwhile, Nakamura worked his way past two of his compatriots - Wesley So in the Intermediate Round and Fabiano Caruana in the lower-bracket semifinal - to give himself a chance for a spot on the podium in Las Vegas. Sunday, the final day of the competition, will feature the following matches: Final - Hans Niemann vs. Levon Aronian Third-place playoff - Magnus Carlsen vs. Hikaru Nakamura Fifth-place playoff - Fabiano Caruana vs. Arjun Erigaisi Seventh-place playoff - R. Praggnanandhaa vs. Wesley So
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
'Jassi bhai toh khelenge': Jasprit Bumrah to play India vs England 4th Test in Manchester; Mohammed Siraj breaks silence
The speculations are over. With the series on the line, Jasprit Bumrah will turn up for India in the 4th Test against England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Manchester on Wednesday. The Indian pacer spearhead, whose workload management had reduced his participation in the series to three matches, will play his third Test of the series as India aim to win and level the series 2-2, currently tilted 2-1 in favour of England. This, in all likelihood, means that Bumrah will skip the fifth and final Test at the Oval starting July 31. But that is a discussion for another time. As of now, India needs a win at Old Trafford, since one more defeat will force them to kiss their aspirations of winning the series goodbye. Jasprit Bumrah will be part of India's Playing XI in Manchester, Mohammed Siraj confirmed.(AFP) Mohammed Siraj, Bumrah's new-ball partner, confirmed that the senior pro will indeed be in action when the first ball is bowled at the Old Trafford stadium. India has yet to win a Test match in Manchester, with their most famous escape being shepherded by a young Sachin Tendulkar and his maiden Test century in 1990. Having said that, it's a trivia India won't mind, since not too long ago, India were winless at Edgbaston too, but it changed following an all-round show in the second Test of the series. Siraj also confirmed the status of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. "Jassi bhai toh khelenge," (Jasprit Bumrah will definitely play) Siraj confirmed two days before the start of the match. That is what I know as of now. The combination is changing day by day, so our plan is to see what is best for the team. Akash Deep has picked up a groin strain. He bowled in the morning, but the final call will be taken closer to the start of the match. Anshul has also come in, rightly, after Arshdeep Singh cut his finger," Siraj told reporters on Monday. Bumrah's availability at least takes one headache off head coach Gautam Gambhir, who must be scurrying around hoping to figure out the right team combination. With Akash Deep still ginger and Arshdeep Singh out of the game, who will be India's third pacer? Will they go back to Prasidh Krishna or will Anshul Kamboj make his debut? Will Rishabh Pant keep wicket and bat, or will he only play as a specialist batter given the injury he sustained on his finger at Lord's? Will Karun Nair get another chance? If yes, what happens to Nitish Kumar Reddy, who too has been ruled out of the Test? Mohammed Siraj the workhorse Despite all these questions, one thing is guaranteed. The new ball will be shared by Bumrah and Siraj. While all the attention has been on Bumrah, let's spare a thought for Siraj, who continues to be India's workhorse. With 13 scalps, Siraj is the leading wicket-taker of the series, while Bumrah is just one strike away. "God has given me good health. I want to make opportunities count and play as many games as possible for my country," he said.
