'We waited for like 6 hrs to get a room': Gukesh on why Arjun lost Round 1 game
World chess champion D Gukesh attributed teammate Arjun Erigaisi's surprise loss at the Chess Olympiad to exhaustion caused by poor organizational logistics upon arrival. Gukesh noted that the team has since recovered and is focused on winning the tournament.
Why it matters
Highlights the impact of logistical and organizational challenges on the performance of elite athletes in international competitions.
NEW DELHI: World champion D Gukesh has offered some context behind Arjun Erigaisi’s shock defeat in the opening round of the Chess Olympiad, saying India’s players had endured a hectic start to the tournament and were left waiting for hours to get their rooms.Arjun, India’s second-ranked player, suffered a surprise defeat against Thailand’s 2363-rated International Master Prin Laohawirapap on Board 1. The 23-year-old, playing with the white pieces, had a winning position at different stages but eventually faltered in the endgame.Gukesh said the team’s difficult arrival and accommodation issues had affected the players.“Arjun’s first game was very unfortunate, but also worth mentioning that we had a very hectic travel and then the first day there were some organisation issues,” Gukesh said in an interview with FIDE after his Round 3 win over Italy's Sabino Brunello.“So like Arjun got a room probably a few hours before he went.
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