World Champion
Gukesh struggles and apologizes to fans midway through Prague Chess Festival
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Despite arriving upbeat, world chess champion D Gukesh is struggling at the Prague International Chess Festival 2026, languishing at the bottom of the Masters leaderboard with 2.5 points after eight rounds. The 19-year-old Indian grandmaster drew against Vincent Keymer in round eight and apologized to fans for skipping autographs amid his poor form.
Reigning world chess champion D Gukesh has arrived in Prague in a positive frame of mind ahead of the International Chess Festival, despite recent underwhelming performances. The 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster seeks to regain form in a competitive Masters field starting February 25, 2026. He expressed optimism during a press conference, emphasizing full effort in every tournament.
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D Gukesh defeated Ding Liren of China to claim the FIDE world chess championship title on Thursday, becoming the youngest ever at age 18. This victory marks him as only the second Indian to win the crown, following Viswanathan Anand. His path to the top involved significant family sacrifices and early prodigious talent.