Arjun offers Gukesh advice on recovering form in time ahead of World Championship title defence: 'Just enjoy...'

D Gukesh hasn't had a great run for the past one year, and is facing questions over his ability to defend his world title against Javokhir Sindarov later this year. The Indian Grandmaster had become the youngest champion in chess history in December 2024 but has failed to make an impact in recent events, from the Fide Grand Swiss and World Cup last year to the Norway Chess recently.

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According to Indian No 1 Arjun Erigaisi, the 20-year-old, needs to learn to enjoy his game without taking too much pressure if he is to rediscover his form ahead of his title defence.

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"Just enjoy and not take too much pressure," Arjun advised Gukesh after the conclusion of the third UzChess Cup in Tashkent, where he finished fifth out of 10 players.

Arjun cites Ding's example to inspire Gukesh

Arjun also cited the example of Ding Liren, who put up a strong fight against Gukesh in their world championship showdown in Singapore in December 2024 despite being labelled as an underdog.

"It’s possible. Like in the previous match, almost everyone thought it will be an easy win for Gukesh, but Ding put up a great fight," Arjun added.

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Gukesh had finished at the bottom of the six-player standings in the 'Open' section of Norway Chess in Oslo, collecting just one Classical victory in 10 rounds – against fellow Indian GM and eventual winner R Praggnanandhaa.

He had recently opted out of the Grand Chess Tour but had participated as a wildcard entrant in the opening event in Warsaw and will be making another appearance at a similar event in Zagreb later this month.

The world champion is also a confirmed participant at the Chennai Grand Masters this year, where he will be competing alongside Arjun as well as world No 5 Nodirbek Abdusattorov among others. Gukesh's focus, however, will be fixed on his world title defence later this year, with the Chennai lad set to face Candidates winner Sindarov in a highly-anticipated showdown that is yet to have a final date and location.