‘Gukesh won title by chance’: Former World Chess Champion Karpov sparks controversy | Chess News

By Sandy Verma On Mar 20, 2026

NEW DELHI: India’s young chess star D Gukesh has come under criticism from former world champion Anatoly Karpov, who claimed his title win was more down to luck than dominance. Gukesh had defeated Ding Liren to become the youngest world champion, but some voices, especially from Russia, have questioned the quality of that victory.

Criticism from former champions

“First of all, the Indian chess player became [champion] by chance, because he wasn’t supposed to win the match against the Chinese player [Ding Liren]. The Chinese player lost a game there that he shouldn’t have lost. Had he not, the Chinese player would have remained the world champion,” Karpov told a Russian outlet KP.RU. This isn’t the first time such criticism has surfaced. Former champion Vladimir Kramnik had earlier reacted strongly, writing, “No comment. Sad. End of chess as we know it.” He also criticised the quality of play during the match, saying, “Frankly, I am very disappointed by today’s game (Game 6). Even Game 5 was not extremely high level, but today it was really — for a professional — it was really weak play from both players. It’s a very disappointing level.”He added, “It’s such a strange game. Both players were making mistake after mistake, strategical mistakes. As if they don’t get the sense of the position. Maybe I’m old-school but it’s pretty basic! Of course, they’re both great players and great calculators. They calculate fantastically.“But I expect something a bit more from a world championship match, like ideas! Human play, human concepts! If I want to enjoy chess as just a game of calculation, I would rather watch a world championship of chess engines!”

Ding’s response

Amid the criticism of Gukesh, Ding himself has taken a calm approach after losing the title to Gukesh. “I quite enjoy my current situation. What I mean is, being a player with an inactive rating, who seldom participates in elite invitationals. I’m enjoying this rare moment of leisure,” he recently said in an interview.He added, “I keep up playing the occasional game online: it doesn’t require arduous pre-game preparation, just undivided concentration in the moment. The process itself is rewarding.”