Gukesh's packed schedule not behind poor form, believes Keymer as he introduces new angle in debate: 'It's burden of...'

German grandmaster Vincent Keymer voiced concern over D Gukesh’s recent struggles, pointing out what he sees as the reigning world champion’s greatest problem amid ongoing form trouble.

20-year-old Gukesh is coming off a lowly sixth-place finish at Norway Chess 2026, where compatriot Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious. With several faltering performances across recent tournaments, doubts have emerged over whether Gukesh can successfully retain his crown later in the year when he defends his world title against Javokhir Sindarov.

Keymer reveals key detail behind Gukesh's struggles

Keymer stressed that Gukesh’s struggles emanate not from a packed schedule but from the weight of being the world champion, which has triggered his form crisis. He added that such challenges are deeply tied to an individual's character and mindset.

Also Read | D Gukesh says Javokhir Sindarov's presence at Norway Chess was 'kind of funny'

More from Chess

"I don't think it's about a packed schedule anymore. It seems more likely that it's the burden of being World Champion. But I know too little about the details, because these are things that are deeply connected to a person's character," Keymer said, as quoted by Endgame AI.

World champion acknowledges form struggles

Amid form-related concerns, Gukesh has acknowledged that he is far from his best and is currently frustrated by his poor play. But despite the setbacks, the Indian GM highlighted that his love for the game and inner drive are what keep him striving for the better.

"I'm very happy with where I am compared to a couple of months ago, but I'm still very far from my best form. Right now, I'm playing badly, and it's very frustrating. But chess is still what I want to devote my time to.

Also Read | Nakamura expresses concern over Praggnanandhaa after Norway Chess triumph: 'I feel like if he played a little...'

"If you've spent so many years doing something and you're doing it badly, if there's no love for the game, then there's no point in continuing. The fact that I'm trying this hard means there's something deeper behind it all. Reconnecting with that feeling is exactly why I want to keep moving forward," Gukesh said.

Following Norway Chess, Gukesh is expected to be in action at the Grand Chess Tour Croatia (Rapid & Blitz) in Zagreb and headline the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters tournament in July 2026.