Chess Legend Kasparov Critiques World Championship's Relevance

Garry Kasparov discusses the upcoming World Chess Championship, expressing skepticism about its significance without Magnus Carlsen's participation. He believes the traditional format to crown the world's best player has ended with Carlsen. Kasparov favors Gukesh in the match against Ding Liren.

Chess legend Garry Kasparov has raised doubts about the significance of the upcoming World Chess Championship match between India's D Gukesh and China's Ding Liren. According to Kasparov, the absence of Norway's Magnus Carlsen, a five-time champion, diminishes the contest as a true championship of the two best players.

Kasparov believes that the lineage of true world champions ceased with Carlsen. He told a YouTube show for the St Louis Chess Club, 'For me, a World Championship match was always a match for the title of the best player in the world.'

However, Kasparov considers Gukesh the favorite in the competition. Though recognizing Ding Liren's decline in form, he notes that if Ding finds his old form, it could be an engaging match. Nevertheless, Kasparov still supports Carlsen's decision to forfeit the title, citing the outdated nature of the championship setup.

(With inputs from agencies.)