MUMBAI
US Super Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana believes it is perfectly normal for a reigning world champion to not necessarily be the outright No. 1 player in the world, offering a measured assessment of India’s world champion D Gukesh.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Chess League in Mumbai, Caruana said that while Gukesh may not have enjoyed his strongest year, comparisons with former world champion Ding Liren were misplaced. “Maybe you can’t say that he’s the pure No. 1 in the world right now, but that’s super normal,” Caruana remarked. “The world champion isn’t necessarily the pure No. 1 in the world.”
Currently ranked third in the world with a classical rating of 2795, Caruana has been a constant presence at the elite level for nearly a decade and will feature in his sixth consecutive Candidates Tournament in 2026. By ratings, he is among the favourites, alongside compatriot Hikaru Nakamura, though the 33-year-old cautioned against underestimating the depth of the field. “There are no easy games in the Candidates. Everyone is extremely motivated,” he said.
Caruana also identified India’s R Praggnanandhaa as a serious contender. “He definitely has a realistic chance. He already has experience from the previous edition,” he noted, while adding that it would be difficult to single out a clear favourite.
On Gukesh, Caruana was optimistic about the future despite acknowledging a dip in form after the world title match. “Gukesh is playing at the top level and is much better placed than Ding was during his reign. He hasn’t had a great year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if next year is very strong for him,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Global Chess League began with defending champions Triveni Continental Kings opening their campaign with a win, as the chess world’s spotlight firmly remained on both present battles and future title races.
