Kingmakers

Renowned sports psychologist Paddy Upton and Polish Grandmaster Grzegorz Gajewski were the main forces ‘behind the scenes’ for the remarkable achievement of Indian teenage chess sensation Gukesh Dammaraju of winning the world chess title at Resorts World Sentosa Island in Singapore.

Gukesh had kept his team of ‘seconds’ (players who help a world chess title contender with preparation including mainly opening strategy and play to strengths) a closely guarded secret all these days. At the post-match conference he revealed the team that has helped him in the journey. The team of seconds is a combination of youth and experience that helped Gukesh in bringing new strategies in the match.

Upton, a renowned sports psychologist, played a crucial role in Gukesh’s victory. Upton, who was present at the venue is best known for his work with the Indian cricket team that won the 2011 World Cup and the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

For the World Chess Championship, Upton helped Gukesh prepare mentally and emotionally and especially how to sleep better. He worked with Gukesh for six months, focusing on strategies to handle pressure, manage emotions during games, and maintain focus. Gukesh revealed that he was sleepless during many a times in the match and found a way to deal with it after speaking with Upton.

Gajewski, 39, has been Gukesh’s main trainer for the past two years. Gajewski is known for his deep understanding of chess strategy and has helped Gukesh prepare extensively in the opening strategy and novelties he produced that surprised Ding Liren the most. Gukesh joked that he and Gajewski were afraid of heights but promised to each other they would do the daring bungee height jump if they bag the world chess title.

Radoslaw Wojtaszek, 38, a highly respected Polish Grandmaster, supported Gukesh during the FIDE Candidates tournament and throughout his journey. Wojtaszek is known for his experience in high-level competitions and his strategic insights.

Indian Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna, 38, was also part of Gukesh’s team for the Candidates and World Championship. Harikrishna is one of India’s top players and has vast experience in international tournaments.

Just 19, Vincent Keymer is a young German Grandmaster who joined Gukesh’s team specifically for the World Championship match. Keymer is considered one of the rising stars in the chess world.

Jan-Krzysztof Duda, 24, is another Polish Grandmaster who assisted in the training camps. Duda is known for his dynamic style of play and has achieved notable successes in various chess tournaments.

Jan Klimkowski, 24, helped Gajewski and assisted in preparation during the Candidates. Klimkowski is known for his analytical skills and support in chess preparations.

Gukesh had special appreciation for his ‘Vishy Sir’ — Viswanathan Anand — the legendary Indian chess player and former world champion, who was his inspiration to play chess. Anand provided guidance and support to Gukesh remotely, offering his vast experience and strategic knowledge.

Praise for young champ

Praise poured for Gukesh from top chess players and former champions.

Magnus Carlsen, who had egged on Gukesh to take more risks than Ding, praised Gukesh’s “fighting spirit” and “tactical brilliance” during the final game. He highlighted Gukesh’s King’s Pawn opening and a double attack move as standout moments.

US Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura also congratulated Gukesh, calling his win “a testament to his incredible talent and determination”.

Judith Polgar remarked on Gukesh’s “remarkable composure and strategic depth”, noting that his victory is a significant milestone for young chess players worldwide.

Anand expressed immense pride and joy, calling it a “proud moment for chess, India, and WACA”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Gukesh, describing his talent and determination as “unparalleled” and his victory as “historic and exemplary”.

Neeraj Chopra, the Olympics gold medallist in javelin, also extended his congratulations, saying “India is proud” of Gukesh’s accomplishment.