In a candid yet constructive assessment, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand rated teenage Grandmaster D Gukesh’s recent Norway Chess 2025 performance as “D grade,” indicating his disappointment with the 18-year-old’s showing despite his status as World No. 6. Anand’s remarks have sparked widespread debate in Indian chess circles about expectations, mentoring, and the pressure on young prodigies in elite tournaments.
What Did Anand Say?
Speaking at an online chess forum discussion on Monday, Anand was asked to rate Gukesh’s Norway Chess campaign on a scale of A to E, where A denotes exceptional and E denotes poor performance. Anand responded:
“If I’m brutally honest, he deserved a D. He looked completely off-rhythm, and it wasn’t a confidence issue but more about game management at the highest level.”
Gukesh’s Norway Chess 2025 Performance
| Round | Opponent | Result | Key Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magnus Carlsen | Lost | Weak pawn structure in middlegame |
| 2 | Fabiano Caruana | Lost | Missed tactical defence on move 37 |
| 3 | Hikaru Nakamura | Draw | Played passive endgame despite advantage |
| 4 | Alireza Firouzja | Lost | Overextended in Sicilian Defence |
| 5 | Praggnanandhaa | Lost | Blundered knight in middlegame |
| 6 | Wesley So | Draw | Failed to convert pawn advantage |
| 7 | Nodirbek Abdusattorov | Lost | Under time pressure, missed equalising move |
Gukesh finished last with only 2 points out of 14, sparking concern among Indian fans, especially ahead of the upcoming Candidates Tournament cycle, where he remains a top contender for future World Championship qualification.
Anand’s Full Analysis
Anand elaborated on his ‘D’ rating:
- Opening Preparation: “Gukesh’s opening prep was sub-par. At this level, you cannot go for general lines and hope to equalise.”
- Positional Decision-Making: “He failed to capitalise on better positions against Wesley So and Nakamura. That reflects lack of clarity under pressure.”
- Psychological Fatigue: “It seemed like he came in drained. He looked disinterested by Round 4. Confidence and fitness must be managed by his team.”
However, Anand clarified his rating was “not an attack but a necessary evaluation if he wants to compete consistently at elite level.”
How Has Gukesh Responded?
In a brief social media post after the tournament, Gukesh wrote:
“Disappointing result. Many lessons to implement before the next event. Staying positive.”
He is scheduled to participate in the Biel Chess Festival later this month, where fans hope to see a comeback.
Why Anand’s Critique Matters
| Mentor | Mentee | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Viswanathan Anand | D Gukesh | Anand’s academy has guided Gukesh’s rapid rise to 2700+ rating |
| Garry Kasparov | Magnus Carlsen | Helped Carlsen develop dynamic openings |
| Vladimir Kramnik | Praggnanandhaa | Guided Pragg’s positional understanding |
Anand has been instrumental in mentoring India’s young grandmasters through his WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA). His assessments are often viewed as part of a structured feedback process for their development.
Fan Reactions: Divided But Hopeful
Chess fans on social media reacted strongly to Anand’s comments:
- “Anand is brutally honest. That’s why Indian chess is improving so fast.”
- “A bit harsh. Gukesh is just 18. Give him time.”
- “If Anand rates him D, he will come back stronger. Better now than at Candidates.”
Indian Chess Analysts Support Anand
GM RB Ramesh, Gukesh’s long-time coach, echoed Anand’s views partially:
“We accept the performance was below par. But criticism from legends like Anand is invaluable if taken positively.”
Chess journalist Sagar Shah added:
“Norway Chess is an unforgiving tournament with the world’s best. Gukesh will learn and return better prepared.”
Norway Chess 2025 Final Standings (Top 5)
| Rank | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magnus Carlsen | 11.5 |
| 2 | Fabiano Caruana | 10 |
| 3 | Hikaru Nakamura | 9.5 |
| 4 | Alireza Firouzja | 8 |
| 5 | Wesley So | 7 |
What’s Next For Gukesh?
- Biel Chess Festival 2025: Begins July 20
- Olympiad Preparation: Chennai camp under Anand’s supervision in August
- Grand Swiss & FIDE Circuit: To secure World Championship cycle points
Anand’s Philosophy On Criticism
Viswanathan Anand, known for his balanced approach, concluded his Norway Chess review with a message for Gukesh and other Indian youngsters:
“It’s better to know where you stand honestly than live in illusions. Gukesh is immensely talented, and this D will push him to an A soon.”
Conclusion
While some perceive Anand’s remarks as harsh, seasoned chess followers see it as tough love from India’s greatest grandmaster to its brightest rising star. With his next tournaments lined up, Gukesh has the opportunity to reflect, reset, and reclaim his elite standing, proving yet again why he is India’s youngest ever World Championship candidate.
Disclaimer: This news content is for informational reporting purposes only. Readers are advised to follow official FIDE and tournament websites for verified schedules, results, and rankings.
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