Story perspectives

Gukesh Struggles at Prague Chess Festival, Remains Last

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

At the 2026 Prague International Chess Festival, D. Gukesh remains at the bottom after three losses and three draws, totaling 2.5 points.
His latest draw with Vincent Keymer highlighted ongoing difficulties, including time pressure and critical errors.
Aravindh Chithambaram defeated Gukesh, propelling Chithambaram to joint fourth.
Leader Nodirbek Abdusattorov has 5.5 points, maintaining a slim lead over Jorden van Foreest as the final rounds approach.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 World Chess Championship in Reykjavík saw Bobby Fischer defeat Boris Spassky, ending 24 years of Soviet dominance in chess. This match, dubbed the "Match of the Century," attracted around 600 million viewers and significantly raised chess's profile globally. Fischer's victory not only made him the first American world champion but also inspired a surge in chess popularity, known as the "Fischer Boom."

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Story summary

At the 2026 Prague International Chess Festival, D. Gukesh remains at the bottom after three losses and three draws, totaling 2.5 points.
His latest draw with Vincent Keymer highlighted ongoing difficulties, including time pressure and critical errors.
Aravindh Chithambaram defeated Gukesh, propelling Chithambaram to joint fourth.
Leader Nodirbek Abdusattorov has 5.5 points, maintaining a slim lead over Jorden van Foreest as the final rounds approach.

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