Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Gukesh’s Olympiad Form Boosts Confidence Before Title Defense
Gukesh is a world champion chess player.
At the Chess Olympiad, he played very well for most of the tournament.
He won seven games and drew three in his first 10 rounds.
He lost his last game to Gleb Dudin.
His coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, said the results can help Gukesh feel confident again.
The coach said Gukesh was mentally strong, even though his chess could be better.
He also noticed that Gukesh seemed happier and followed less strict routines.
Gukesh is expected to prepare for his next World Chess Championship match against Javokhir Sindarov.
D Gukesh scored seven wins and three draws in the first 10 rounds of the Chess Olympiad, with a performance rating of 2,797.
He lost his final-round game against Hungarian grandmaster Gleb Dudin.
Coach Grzegorz Gajewski said the results should remind Gukesh that he can play very well.
Gajewski described Gukesh’s chess as good but not great, while praising his mental strength.
Gajewski said Gukesh’s less strict routines and happier demeanor during the Olympiad were positive changes.
- Who
- D Gukesh, his coach Grzegorz Gajewski, and opponent Gleb Dudin.
- What
- Gukesh had a strong Chess Olympiad, scoring seven wins and three draws in his first 10 rounds before losing his final game.
- When
- At the recent Chess Olympiad; the article does not give its dates.
- Where
- The Chess Olympiad; the article does not specify its location.
- Why
- The results were viewed by Gajewski as a confidence boost for Gukesh ahead of preparation for his World Chess Championship match.
Positive assessment
Measured assessment
Meaning of the Olympiad performance
Positive assessment
Gajewski said the results were good for Gukesh’s confidence and a reminder that he can play very well.
Measured assessment
Gajewski cautioned that the chess was good, not great, and said Gukesh could do better.
Playing on Board 4
Positive assessment
Gukesh chose to play on Board 4, and his results made the decision look successful in hindsight.
Measured assessment
Gajewski rejected calling it a masterstroke, saying teammates were higher rated and had performed better in some earlier events.
- First 10 rounds
- Seven wins and three draws
- Performance rating
- 2,797
- Final-round opponent
- Hungarian grandmaster Gleb Dudin
- Coach
- Polish grandmaster Grzegorz Gajewski
- Upcoming championship challenger
- Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan
- Coach’s assessment
- Chess was good but not great; Gukesh was mentally strong