The world of chess was set ablaze by the remarkable victory of 17-year-old D. Gukesh in the FIDE Candidates tournament in Toronto. This victory has not only made Gukesh the youngest-ever challenger for the world championship title but also brought him and his coach, Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, a step closer to their ultimate goal – Gukesh becoming the World Champion.
Coach Vishnu Prasanna is delighted for Gukesh’s success
Vishnu Prasanna, who has been coaching Gukesh since he was 11, expressed his joy and relief at this significant achievement. The journey to this point was not easy. The tournament was a gruelling event, and the tension was palpable, especially in the last few days when they were so close to their goal.
“Today was a very tense day. The other contender, Fabiano Carunaro was also in a good position. We did not know if it would be a tie-break or he would end up as an outright winner,” Vishnu told The Bridge.
“The last two days have been tense. You do not want to miss such chances when they come around, hence the tension. But I am very happy he did it,” he added.
Gukesh’s performance in the tournament was exceptional. He won five games and lost only one, against France’s Alireza Firouzja in the seventh round, in his 14-round title-winning run. Despite the loss, Prasanna encouraged Gukesh to focus on the remaining games and reminded him that he still had a clear chance.
According to Vishnu, preparation was key to the success of the teenage sensation. “We knew who the opponents are and since we knew them, we specifically became prepared for them,” he remarked.
The road to the Candidates tournament was paved with challenges and triumphs. Gukesh’s victory in the Chennai Grand Masters Chess Championship in December last year was a pivotal moment that qualified him for the Candidates tournament. It was a period of stress and self-doubt for Gukesh, but the win in Chennai boosted his confidence and helped him regain his form.
In preparation for the Candidates tournament, Gukesh rested more than usual after the Chennai event. He also participated in training camps with Grzegorz Gajewski and Prasanna. This period of rest and focused training played a crucial role in his successful performance in Toronto.
Prasanna’s faith in his ward’s abilities never wavered. He was optimistic about Gukesh’s chances of winning the Candidates tournament. His belief stemmed from the fact that Gukesh was in his best shape and had shown tremendous growth and resilience in his chess career.
“What sets Gukesh apart from others is his absolute focus. Right from age 11, he has been under pressure but he enjoys it which is a good thing,” he added.
The journey, for Gukesh has just begun. Vishnu reckons there are two main goals that Gukesh has already set his eyes on. “The first goal is to get closer to world no.1 Magnus Carlson. Gukesh is currently world no.6,” he added. “The second goal is the championship match against Ding Liren that will happen at the end of the year,” Vishnu concluded.
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