Gukesh explains Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia participation even as classical world title defence looms: 'I thought...'

D Gukesh is set to defend his world title against Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov towards the end of this year. The youngest ever undisputed chess world champion has not been in the best of forms since winning the title but he would still like to bounce back at the biggest stage.

To prepare better for the world title defence, Gukesh had chosen to opt out of several rapid and blitz tournaments but currently he is participating in one. The 20-year-old is one of the two Indians participating in the Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia with the other being R Praggnanadhaa.

With results not going in the favour of the reigning world champion since he won the title in 2024, Gukesh has cut his schedule to focus on defending the championship. However, he chose the ongoing tournament in Zagreb as a relaxed training ground.

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Gukesh on playing rapid and blitz in Croatia

The Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026 is a six-day event going on from July 1 to July 6. Gukesh said that he participated in the tournament because he felt it would be a good practice event.

"Besides the Grand Chess Tour, I probably won't have any rapid or blitz tournaments this year. So I thought this would be good practice," the reigning world champion said.

He also stated that his aim at the tournament was not to win it but only to play a few good games.

"Also, I’m not playing that many tournaments right now, so for me it’s nice, relaxed training. I’m not thinking about the title or anything like that at all. My only goal is to play a few good games. That’s it."

Gukesh had a decent campaign in the rapid section of the event where Praggnanandhaa finished as the joint leader alongside France's Alireza Firoujza. Gukesh collected three wins, four draws and two defeats to finish at the fifth spot.