D Gukesh unfazed by Magnus Carlsen, Vladimir Kramnik criticism, says 'World Chess Championship decided not just by...'

Newly crowned chess world champion D Gukesh responded to critiques regarding the quality of his World Chess Championship match against Ding Liren.

He emphasised that victory in high-stakes matches isn't solely determined by gameplay. He believes willpower and character are equally crucial, qualities he feels he amply demonstrated.

At 18, Gukesh defeated Liren in the 14-game world championship match, scoring 7.5-6.5. This victory makes him the youngest world champion in chess history.


Former world champions Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik expressed their disappointment with the quality of play displayed during the championship match, which concluded on Thursday.

Carlsen remarked that the match resembled "a second round or third round match of an open tournament."

Kramnik's assessment was even more critical, stating that the match represented the "end of chess as we know it."


Asked if he was hurt by Carlsen's comments, Gukesh told BBC World, "Not really".

Gukesh acknowledged the validity of some of the criticisms regarding the quality of play. However, he underscored the importance of non-chess factors in determining the outcome of a world championship match.