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Gukesh expressed his gratitude to Upton, who was also part of the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team in a similar capacity, and the Paris Olympic bronze-winning hockey unit.
D Gukesh. (PTI Photo)
World Chess Champion D Gukesh lauded the part mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton played in his triumph over Ding LIren in the final series in Singapore as the Indian held his nerve to edge out the defending champion to become the youngest-ever holder of the prestigious title.
Gukesh sealed the deal on the final board of the 14-game series against the Chinese GM in dramatic fashion as the finalists jousted for the entirety of the summit clash before the teenager came out triumphant by a fine margin.
Gukesh expressed his gratitude to Upton, who was also part of the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team in a similar capacity, and the Paris Olympic bronze-winning hockey unit.
“In a world championship, it’s not only about chess,” Gukesh began.
“There is a lot of mental and emotional pressure to deal with. Paddy’s teachings helped me in that regard,” he added.
“The suggestions and the conversations I have had with him, have been very important for me and my development as a player,” the 18-year-old continued.
He also revealed how he came about working with the mental trainer as part of his preparations ahead of the championship clash.
“Paddy has been a very important part of my team. After I won the Candidates in April, I asked Sandeep Singhal of Westbridge Capital for a mental trainer,” Gukesh revealed.
“He immediately put me in touch with Paddy Upton, who has a lot of experience working with high-performance athletes,” he explained.
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Upton lauded the Indian GM for his self-awareness and his ability to regulate his thoughts.
“I think that’s the thing that’s really stood out, his ability to recognise his thoughts and manage his mind and his understanding of how to do so,” Upton said.
“He is a world champion because he was able to manage himself and remain focused and stay in the game even though he was down 0-1 right from the beginning,” Upton continued.
“That really is a mark of a champion,” the mental trainer asserted.