Gukesh has the crown of Chess World Champion, but Russian chess icon Garry Kasparov believes that Magnus Carlsen is considered a better player than the Chennai teenager “by all metrics.”Gukesh was 17 when he defeated China’s reigning world champion Ding Liren in a 14-game showdown to claim the coveted title last year, eclipsing Kasparov’s record who at 22 clinched the world crown back in 1985, beating compatriot Anatoly Karpov.”It’s a phenomenal accomplishment (Gukesh’ world championship win).
But I beat the strongest player in the world. Gukesh is in a different situation because Magnus is there.”So yeah Gukesh is official world champion, there is no doubt about it, but there is somebody else who is widely considered, by all metrics, as a better player,” Kasparov told the YouTube channel of Saint Louis Chess Club during the Superbet Chess Classic in Bucharest, Romania.Kasparov also praisd the might of India’s current crop of chess players, including Gukesh, and described them as “Vishy’s children”.”He (Gukesh) has plenty of room and plenty of time to improve. That’s a challenge that I am sure he is dealing with,” Kasparov said.Reflecting back on the battle between Gukesh and Ding Liren of China, the Russian great felt that the 32-year-old Liren was not at his best during the mega-event in Singapore.”Ding at his best against Magnus… that would be a match! But then COVID ruined him. Ding after COVID was just a different player, still very tenacious, just tons of resilience.”Gukesh was just rising after he won the Candidates. Everything can happen in a world championship match because it’s a long match. But Gukesh was always ahead. Ding fought heroically, he nearly saved the match. But I think it’s a result that is justified. Gukesh was a better player,” Kasparov conceded.