New Delhi: De Gokesh has admitted that criticism of his recent performances is justified, and said he understands why the former champions have questioned his form. The reigning world champion, who will defend his title later this year, said he had not lived up to expectations over the past 18 months but was focused on improving.Speaking ahead of the Norway chess tournament, Gokesh, as quoted by news agency PTI, said, “Most of it (critical comments from former greats) I don’t see, but there are some that I have heard and I think it is fair.” “They (critics) have the right to say whatever they feel and I have the right to try my best,” he added.Since defeating Ding Liren to become world champion in 2024, Gokesh has struggled for consistency. He finished 10th in Tata Steel Chess, ninth in Prague and sixth in the Superbeat Rapid and Blitz event in Poland.Many chess legends, including Magnus CarlsenIan Nepomniachtchi and Anatoly Karpov have openly questioned the quality of their recent games. Karpov even claimed that Gokesh won the world title “by accident”.Gokesh said defending the world title would be more difficult than winning it the first time because of the added pressure and expectations. However, he insisted that his main focus remains simple, adding, “Yes, I will try my best to win.”The young Indian also reflected on Carlsen’s viral table-banging reaction after losing to him last year, saying such moments help attract more people to chess and bring attention to the game globally.
