Sipu Jha
World chess champion D Gukesh has spoken out strongly against cheating allegations that have been floating around the chess world, especially those made by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. Ahead of the Prague International Chess Festival, the 19-year-old made it clear that while he is completely against cheating, he does not agree with how accusations are being made publicly without proof.
“Obviously, I’m against any kind of unfair play or unethical play. I have never done that, and I really hope nobody does that, and it’s a kind of problem that we have been seeing lately. About Kramnik exactly, I think what he has been doing is obviously, I’m not supportive of that,” the 19-year-old added in pre-tournament press conference. Gukesh said that in recent years, players and fans have become overly suspicious, turning cheating into a bigger issue than it really is.“Many people has been paranoid for last couple of years. I think people are making bigger problem that it actually is,” he added.He added that Kramnik’s repeated allegations are harmful to the sport and called for a calmer atmosphere.“And yeah, specifically about Kramnik’s allegations, I don’t support most of it. And I think there should be more harmony and peace in chess.”The controversy comes amid growing criticism of Kramnik, who has accused several players of cheating online without providing solid evidence.Many top names in chess, including Viswanathan Anand and FIDE officials, have spoken out against this trend, echoing Gukesh’s call for unity and fairness in the game.Gukesh is heading into the Prague International Chess Festival looking to bounce back after mixed results at the World Cup and Tata Steel Masters. Seeded second, he will face tough competition from players like Vincent Keymer and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Despite not being at his best recently, Gukesh is currently India’s highest-ranked player.
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