Crown Slipping? D Gukesh Apologises To Fans Amid Prague Nightmare

Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 18:42 IST

Gukesh struggles at Prague Chess Masters 2026, apologizing to fans for his mood and interactions. He remains winless after seven rounds, slipping to World No. 20 in live ratings.

It’s never easy being the hunted. Because when you’re the one on top, every slip-up is an open invitation for the chasing pack.

World Champion D Gukesh is learning that the hard way.

After what has been a deeply disappointing outing at the Prague Chess Masters 2026, the 19-year-old admitted frustration has been building and felt the need to apologise to fans for one thing in particular: brushing them off.

Speaking to Keti Tsatsalashvili during the tournament, Gukesh acknowledged that his struggles have affected his mood and his interactions with supporters.

“I’d like to apologise to the fans. Their support means a lot to me," he said.

“I really appreciate all the fans coming here almost every day. I’m just sorry about one thing. Obviously, this tournament has been tough for me and on some days, I just want to be left alone."

The reigning world champion added that he usually makes time for autographs and photos, but admitted that it hasn’t quite been the case in Prague.

“I generally make sure that I sign autographs and take photographs with fans. But here, in general, I’ve just not been in a great mood. So I’d like to apologise."

On the board, things haven’t gone much better.

“I have been playing badly here," Gukesh admitted bluntly. “The couple of chances I got, I didn’t use. What to say… bad tournament."

Gukesh is still searching for his first win after seven rounds in Prague. He opened the event with a fighting draw against American grandmaster Hans Niemann, but results have since gone south.

Losses, including one to compatriot Aravindh Chithambaram, have left him at the bottom of the 10-player standings with just two points after a draw against Parham Maghsoodloo in Round 7.

The rough run has also seen Gukesh slip to World No. 20 in the live ratings, adding to concerns over his form since winning the World Chess Championship 2024.

He failed to win a major tournament in 2025, and 2026 hasn’t started much better — a worrying trend with his world title defence looming later this year.

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