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Gukesh Scales Back 2026 Calendar, Opens Season at Tata Steel Masters

The world champion is trimming non‑essential events to prioritise preparation for his title defence.

Overview

  • Coach Grzegorz Gajewski says the camp will skip exhibitions and online events, targeting only key tournaments in 2026.
  • Gajewski identifies patience and confidence as the chess priorities guiding Gukesh’s training this year.
  • Gukesh withdrew from the Tata Steel Rapid & Blitz in Kolkata and begins at Wijk aan Zee, facing World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov in round one.
  • After a mixed 2025 with early exits and heavy scrutiny, Gukesh seeks renewed consistency in classical play.
  • The March–April Candidates will decide his challenger, with R Praggnanandhaa in the field and Viswanathan Anand noting a possible Chennai title match if an all‑Indian showdown materialises.