Watch: Dejected Gukesh Storms Out After Second Consecutive Grand Swiss Defeat
Watch: Dejected Gukesh Storms Out After Second Consecutive Grand Swiss Defeat
Teenage World Champion faces rare back-to-back setbacks in Samarkand, leaving fans concerned but hopeful for his comeback
World Chess Champion D Gukesh, widely admired for his composure and maturity beyond his years, endured a difficult day at the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand on Tuesday, September 9. After suffering his second consecutive defeat, this time against Greece’s Nikolas Theodorou, the 19-year-old champion left the playing hall visibly dejected, declining to interact with media or fans. The video of his abrupt exit has since circulated online, underlining the intense weight of expectations resting on the young champion’s shoulders.
Having lost to American prodigy Abhimanyu Mishra just a day earlier, Gukesh came to the board determined to bounce back. With the white pieces against Theodorou, he entered a rook-and-pawn endgame that initially appeared balanced. However, in his characteristic quest for initiative, he opted for an ambitious continuation. A miscalculation in the tense middlegame turned the tide, and after 47 hard-fought moves, Gukesh was forced to resign. In a rare display of frustration, he rested his head on the table before storming out of the hall immediately after shaking hands.
The defeat leaves Gukesh with three points from six rounds — a 50 percent score that falls below the standard he has set since becoming World Champion earlier this year. He now trails tournament leader Parham Maghsoodloo of Iran, who remains unbeaten on five points, by a margin of two. To keep his title hopes and qualification chances for the Candidates alive, Gukesh must secure at least four victories from his remaining five games, an uphill battle but one not beyond his known resilience.
Check out the final moments as World Chess Champion Gukesh resigns against Nikolas Theodorou in Round 6 of the FIDE Grand Swiss. Gukesh is furious with himself, and quickly leaves the playing hall.
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) September 9, 2025
Video: @ram_abhyudaya pic.twitter.com/ELGrG1ku4e
While Gukesh’s struggles drew headlines, other Indian players had a brighter day. Arjun Erigaisi held leader Maghsoodloo to stay within striking distance, while Nihal Sarin overcame Poland’s Szymon Gumularz to continue his impressive rise. Abhimanyu Mishra, fresh off his win over Gukesh, joined Erigaisi and Sarin on 4.5 points, keeping India firmly in contention at the top. R Praggnanandhaa drew against Rauf Mamedov of Azerbaijan, while R Vaishali surged ahead in the women’s section, keeping pace with top seed Kateryna Lagno.
😮 World Champion 🇮🇳 Gukesh D has now lost his second game in a row — this time to 🇬🇷 GM Nikolas Theodorou#FIDEGrandSwiss pic.twitter.com/d12NLL5sqt
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 9, 2025
For Gukesh, however, the focus now shifts to recovery. Known for his ability to learn from setbacks and adapt quickly, the teenage champion faces one of the sternest tests of his young career. His early exit and visible frustration are reminders that even the brightest talents can feel the burden of expectation. Yet, if his journey so far has shown anything, it is his remarkable ability to rise after every fall, a trait that fans and the chess world will be looking to witness again as the Grand Swiss enters its decisive phase.
