BUDAPEST: India's Grandmaster D. Sathiyan feels he did not even think of fighting for the world title during the Olympic Games even though he will get a chance to fight for the title later this year. Gukesh said. Gukesh qualified for the World Championship by winning the Candidates tournament this year. This will give him a chance to challenge China's Ding Liren. The tournament will be held in Singapore from November 25 to December 13. Gukesh showed in the Olympiad that he is fully prepared for this fight. He won the individual gold medal with 9 points in 10 matches playing on the most difficult first putt.
"The Olympics is a very prestigious event. I still have some time to prepare. During this time I will work hard and be fully prepared for the fight. However, the performance in the Olympiad has made it clear that I am in good rhythm. My confidence has gone up, "he said.
Asked about his practice, Gukesh said: "I don't have many hobbies. So I do a lot of exercise at home. But, there is a fear of running out of energy and feeling tired if you keep playing. That's why I only practice for six to eight hours when I'm not playing. Also, I do yoga and meditation so that the pressure doesn't affect the game. At the beginning of my career, I was under pressure. Now I'm more experienced. "
How against Liren
Gukesh's game has improved a lot and he is in good rhythm. However, Hungarian Grandmaster Richard Rappaport believes that he will be tough to play against Ding Liren in the World Championship. Rappaport served as Liren's second coach at the last World Championship. But this fight will be completely different. There is experience with larynx cysts and this can benefit him. So it's going to be tough, "he said. He, however, said the possibility of Gukesh becoming the new world champion cannot be ruled out.