D Gukesh ropes in Paddy Upton for Chess World Championship: Reports
In a strategic move for the FIDE World Chess Championship, D Gukesh, India’s rising chess sensation has reportedly enlisted renowned mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton. He has done so to prepare for his upcoming face-off with reigning champion Ding Liren.
The 18-year-old Grandmaster is set to compete from November 25 to December 14 at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, aiming to bring the World Championship title back to India after a 12-year gap since Viswanathan Anand’s triumph.
As reported by The Bridge, Upton has been working with Gukesh over the past four months, concentrating on helping him stay calm and composed under pressure.
“Everything can be right in the lead-up to the big moments of performance, but if the arrow is not sharp, it won’t penetrate the bullseye. Similarly, you might have a golfer whose game is perfect, but things go wrong if they’ve got a limp wrist at the moment of impact. I think there is now more recognition in the world of sport of how mental gains can reduce these moments,” Upton was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
A respected figure in sports psychology, Paddy Upton is well-versed in the mental conditioning needs of elite athletes. Upton played an instrumental role in guiding India to 2011 ODI World Cup glory and has worked extensively with IPL teams and recently, the Indian men’s hockey team.
His focus with the hockey team centered on mental resilience and contributed to India’s bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics, marking a second consecutive Olympic medal for Indian hockey.
Gukesh enters the World Championship as a favorite
Ranked World No. 5 in the Open category and leading the junior section, Gukesh enters the championship as the favorite. While Ding Liren, currently World No. 21, has faced form challenges in recent FIDE tournaments, he brings valuable experience as the reigning champion.
Gukesh clinched his spot at the Championship by winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament in April at The Great Hall in Toronto, Canada. He made headlines at the Chess Olympiad in September in Budapest, where he played a critical role in securing India’s victory.
His individual score was impressive, with a rating performance exceeding 3000, the highest of any player at the Olympiad. He was one of four Indians to win individual gold.
Gukesh is poised to potentially become India’s second-ever World Champion after Anand, with Upton’s guidance set to play a key role in his journey ahead.