<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/chess-world-cup-vidit-gujrathi-opens-up-on-his-defeat-to-usa-sam-shankland-23604199" rel="nofollow">Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi</a> believes D Gukesh's upcoming World Championship title defence against Uzbek challenger Javokhir Sindarov will depend more on mental resilience than technical chess ability.&nbsp;
Following an extraordinary 2024, the reigning world champion has endured a phase of inconsistent results, whereas Sindarov enters the match with strong momentum. However, Vidit emphasises that shifting form is natural at the top level.
"In chess, performances, if you are not <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/magnus-carlsen-lunch-date-with-wife-ella-23631820" rel="nofollow">Magnus Carlsen</a>, come in stages. For example, 2024 was an exceptional year for Gukesh. Every tournament, he had the Midas touch. Whatever he played, he was winning," Vidit told PTI.
"Their strength is very high. A lot of things affect form, mindset, physical condition and pressure. Sport is about whether you can bring your best on that day," he added.
Vidit added that overcoming recent mental baggage will be key for Gukesh.
"That doesn't mean that in the World Championship, he cannot go back to his 2024 version. It will require a lot of inner strength because when you don't do well, you struggle mentally."
"So, it's a test of his mental strength rather than a test of his chess. Can he forget everything that has happened this year and go as a challenger, not as someone defending the World Championship?"
<h2>Vidit Gujrathi on Olympiad prospects</h2>
Turning to India&rsquo;s defence of the Chess Olympiad title, Vidit highlighted that the form of teammates <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/india-grandmaster-r-praggnanandhaa-rises-to-joint-lead-in-sinquefield-cup-23645620" rel="nofollow">R Praggnanandhaa</a>, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin will be crucial.
"It's very good to see that Praggnanandhaa is in excellent shape. Arjun is also doing well, and Nihal is also doing well. So, three of them are in good shape."
However, he warned that Uzbekistan and the United States will offer fierce opposition.
"It's not a given that we are exceptional favourites because Uzbekistan has improved a lot and they have a lot of depth. USA is very, very motivated. They have stars, Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian and Wesley So. It's a very strong line-up."
On a personal front, Vidit welcomed his Arjuna Award selection: "They may not know what the Grand Swiss or Candidates is, but they do know what an Arjuna Award is. It gives credibility to a sportsperson's achievement, and that's from the government."
(With inputs from PTI)

Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi highlights Gukesh`s mental challenge against Javokhir Sindarov, previews the Chess Olympiad, and opens up about personal burnout


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Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi highlights Gukesh's mental challenge against Javokhir Sindarov, previews the Chess Olympiad, and opens up about personal burnout


Vidit Gujrathi on Gukesh's World Championship defence and India’s Olympiad chances

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