Indian chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju is “super happy” that he is playing his World Championship match against China’s defending champion Ding Liren in Singapore from Nov 25 to Dec 13.
“Singapore is a beautiful country and I’m glad to have the match there,” he said during a virtual interview on Tuesday. “I’ve been to Singapore a couple of times and I have some pleasant memories. I expect (my coming trip) to be a very beautiful experience.”
The 18-year-old, who is the world No. 5, has had an amazing run this year, playing a stellar role in India’s Chess Olympiad win in Budapest in September and becoming the youngest player to win the Candidates tournament in April, which earned him a shot at the world title.
The Chennai-based player said he’s ready to take on Ding, 31, at Resorts World Sentosa.
“It’ll be an interesting match for sure. We are both strong players,” said Gukesh. “There’ll be a lot of exciting games. I’m really looking forward to the match.”
The World Championship match consists of 14 games, with the winner being the first player to score 7½.
Ding has not been in great form over the past 18 months, openly citing his struggles with mental fatigue and personal distress. But Gukesh said there won’t be any let up in his preparation.
“I have a team (led by Polish grandmaster Grzegorz Gajewski) and we are preparing hard,” he said. “I’m focusing on the process, and I’ll try to be at my best every day and play a good game.
“At the top level, it all boils down to the minute details and minor differences between the players. I’m trying my best to analyse them and use them to my advantage.”
Gukesh admitted his youth could prove to be a double-edged sword during the title match.
“Because of my young age, I think I have more energy compared with more experienced players (like Ding),” he said. “And it’s easier for me to stay focused during long tournaments.
“But there are pros and cons. The disadvantage is obviously that I’m not as experienced and have not played as much as them. I don’t have as much knowledge as them.”
Playing for India at such a young age has added to Gukesh’s confidence.
“I’m glad a lot of people are supportive,” he said. “How I handle pressure is mostly through experience. I’ve had many high-pressure situations. So, I’m used to this.
“The World Championship will be a different experience for sure. But I’m looking forward it.”
Though it has been the strategy of many contenders in the past to refrain from playing in many tournaments before the world title clash, Gukesh said he won’t detach himself from tournament play in the lead-up.
“You can’t be playing a crazy amount of tournaments before the match (but) it also doesn’t make sense to completely stop playing tournaments,” he said.
“As long as there is a balance, I’ll feel good about what I’m doing.”
