Gukesh D hires 2011 World Cup coach Paddy Upton for World Chess Championship against Ding Liren

Indian chess player Gukesh D has hired Paddy Upton, a sports psychologist known for his work with high-performance teams, to prepare for the World Chess Championship against China's Ding Liren. Upton aims to enhance Gukesh's mental focus and decision-making. Upton, who previously coached India's 2011 Cricket World Cup team, will help Gukesh manage pressure and improve his sleep patterns. He emphasizes the importance of mental conditioning in sports, particularly for chess, where cognitive skills are crucial. Initially hesitant to work with younger athletes, Upton praised Gukesh's intelligence and maturity. He noted their productive discussions and Gukesh's eagerness to learn, highlighting the young player's self-awareness and commitment to improvement.