D Gukesh, the 18-year-old chess sensation from Chennai, is preparing for his World Chess Championship match against Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren in Singapore next week. Despite being considered a strong favorite, Gukesh is focused on meeting Ding at his best form, following a strategy guided by mental conditioning expert Paddy Upton.

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• Gukesh is the youngest challenger in World Chess Championship history, winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto this April.
• Set to face Ding Liren, reigning champion, in Singapore next week.
• Guided by Paddy Upton, Gukesh is focusing on facing the best version of Ding.
• Ding has not won a Classical format game since January 2024, entering the match in poor form.
• Gukesh starred in India’s historic Chess Olympiad win in Budapest, scoring eight wins and two draws.
• Preparing intensely for six months since winning the Candidates Tournament.
• Aims to become the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the World Championship.
• Former champions, including Anand, warn Ding could regain form unexpectedly.
• Upton emphasized Gukesh’s ability to perform under pressure during big moments.
• Match could mark another milestone in a remarkable year for Indian chess.