D Gukesh’s dad a chess player? Indian grandmaster gives witty response

Indian grandmaster D Gukesh had a witty response to a query referring to hsi father as a chess player on Saturday, December 7. Gukesh played out yet another draw on Saturday against Ding Liren in Game 10 of the World Chess Championship as the series enters its crucial stages.

Both men decided to call a truce on the contest in Singapore on Saturday after 36 moves and remain tied at 5-5. During the press conference after Game 10, Gukesh was asked if his father is the first chess player he talks to. The Indian grandmaster had a smile on his face and claimed that his father would be happy to hear himself being referred as a chess player.

“Yeah, he (Gukesh’s father) would be happy to hear that he is a chess player,” said Gukesh with a smile.

Gukesh’s father, Rajinikanth, stepped away from his career as an ENT specialist to support his teenage son’s chess journey, accompanying him across the globe.

My approach and goal remains the same

Gukesh would talk about the game on Saturday and said it was a good result for him to get a solid draw with black pieces.

“With black to get a solid draw like this is always a good result. There are four more exciting games to go,” Gukesh said later at the post-game conference.

“It’s obviously getting closer and closer but the thing is to play good games. I have had some experience playing four games matches. I rarely lost with white pieces but in this situation I will play with black.”

With the stakes now high heading into the final 4 rounds, each game will matter. However, the Indian grandmaster said that his approach and goal will remain the same heading into the final few games.

“Nowadays, white and black color doesn’t make a huge difference. It’s just four more very interesting games to go,” said the Indian.

“Now cost of one game is higher than before, but my approach and my goal is still the same — to play good games.”

Game 11 of the series will take place on Sunday, December 8.