D Gukesh's losing streak finally came to an end in the seventh round of the Prague International Chess Festival 2026, as the Indian GM managed to hold Parham Maghsoodloo to a draw. Gukesh hasn't yet won a game in Prague, losing three and drawing four games. It has been a tough tournament for the reigning world champion, and his mood has been sour as well.
D Gukesh's losing streak in Prague came to an end in the seventh round. (HT_PRINT)
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Usually very interactive with fans, Gukesh was occasionally seen not signing autographs. After his seventh-round game, Gukesh apologised to fans and blamed his performance in the tournament.
Speaking to grandmaster Keti Tsatsalashvili in an interview after his game, he said, “I really appreciate all the fans coming here everyday. But I want to apologize to them—this tournament has been tough for me and on some days, I just want to be left alone. I generally make sure to give autographs and photographs after the game, but I haven’t been in a great mood here. I apologize for that, but the support really means a lot to me.”
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Commenting on his form, he accepted that he has 'been playing badly'. "I mean, obviously, I’ve been playing badly here. The couple of chances I got, I didn’t use. So, what can I say? It’s been a bad tournament", he said.
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Commenting on his form, he accepted that he has 'been playing badly'. "I mean, obviously, I’ve been playing badly here. The couple of chances I got, I didn’t use. So, what can I say? It’s been a bad tournament", he said.
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The 19-year-old also revealed that he has travelled to Prague with coach Grzegorz Gajewski, and he is still working with mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton.
"I have my team guy who is present in Prague. Other than the preparation and openings, he is someone with whom I can share things. We have been working together for three years. We have a pretty close bond," he said.
"My parents are my huge support system. Obviously, working with Paddy (former Indian cricket team mental conditioning coach) also helps. He has always been there whenever I need. Especially in tough tournaments, talking with him gives clarity. Having such people who understand what goes on in a sportsperson’s head is really quite nice."
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Tsatsalashvili also claimed that fellow commentator and Croatian chess player Alojzije Jankovic has often described Gukesh as the best defensive player in chess.
"One of the best, I would say. It has always been one of my strengths. Being resilient, fighting in bad positions. It came from my childhood. I wasn’t working many openings, so I used to get into these (bad) positions. So basically, I had to defend to survive my whole career. It’s one of my strong suits, but here nothing really worked," he responded.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Others/D Gukesh breaks silence on poor form, apologises to fans for not signing autographs: ‘I’ve been playing badly’
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