Anand debunks Abdusattorov’s Gukesh prediction for World Chess Championship: ‘He has confidence to accept new challenges’

Five-time world champion and Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand did not mince his words as he admitted that the reigning champion D Gukesh is still adjusting to the life of holding the world crown. The 19-year-old Gukesh has suffered a sharp dip in form in the last few tournaments.

At the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand earlier this month, he lost three back-to-back matches to lower-ranked players and lost 16 Elo points.

Gukesh, who became the world champion by beating Ding Liren, has lost his place in the top 10 live rating. He had finished eighth in the 10-player Sinquefield Cup 2025 in August.

Also Read | Gukesh’s sub-par FIDE Grand Swiss campaign not a cause for concern, says Indian GM

Some feel that Gukesh has now entered the Liren territory as the Chinese Grandmaster went months without a win before losing the world title to the Indian star. Liren constantly struggled with the expectations while being the world champion and there are fears that Gukesh may meet the same fate.

Anand admits Gukesh has found it tough to be a world champion

However, Anand has a different opinion. The former world champion feels Gukesh has been poor and while he is taking time to adjust to the title, he has all the ability to recover from the pressure.

“In some games, he was overstepping the mark by trying to go for the win. But he’s also adjusting, struggling, and the chess scene is very competitive now. I think he’s getting used to his new role as world champion,” Anand told the media in Chennai.

“This puts one in the spotlight and brings a lot of pressure. I think he’s slowly getting used to that. He’s having a bumpy time for sure, but I hope he will recover well.”

Also Read | Gukesh’s reign as world champion begins to mirror Ding Liren’s struggles

Anand also doesn’t fear that Gukesh would lose his world title in the 2026 Championship match. Recently, Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov created controversy by predicting that Gukesh is set to lose the crown next year.

“It will always be difficult. He’s having a difficult time. But he has a whole year to get ready,” Anand added. “This is his current form, but by next year, he could be anything. Anyway, what I appreciate is that he has the confidence to keep accepting new challenges, not to hide. And I’m sure he’ll keep pushing till he gets back his form.”

Gukesh will soon be in action in the Chess World Cup, which will take place in Goa, India, from 31 October.