Chess legends question relevance of classical format after D Gukesh's championship win
D Gukesh, at 18, became the youngest World Chess Champion by defeating Ding Liren in Singapore. His win has sparked mixed reactions, with some chess legends questioning the relevance of classical chess in measuring a player's true skill. Magnus Carlsen criticized the championship match, suggesting it resembled an early round of a tournament rather than a final. Levon Aronian echoed these concerns, stating that the current format may lead to less exciting matches, comparing it to other sports that have become less engaging. In response, Gukesh acknowledged the match's quality but emphasized that championships are determined by character and willpower. He expressed a desire for a higher level of play, noting the unique pressures of the championship experience.