'We waited for like 6 hrs to get a room': Gukesh on why Arjun lost Round 1 game

D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi

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. I mean, we all waited for like six hours to get a room. So obviously the first round Arjun, he was just tired and he blundered in the end.”The world champion added that the situation had improved since the opening day and the players were now better rested.“The first day was a bit tricky for all of us, but after that, I think we are all rested. We are all looking forward to the games and all good,” he said.

Gukesh was also asked about India’s decision to field him on Board 4, rather than the top board. He said the team’s priority was to choose the order that gave India the best chance of winning the tournament.“I think it’s pretty clear that Pragg and Arjun have been in really good shape. Also, the rating says the same,” Gukesh said. “It was my idea and also the whole team, we all thought the same that this is the order that gives us the best chance of winning the tournament.”

The 20-year-old said he had no issue with playing on Board 4 despite being the reigning world champion, stressing that the team’s interests came first.“If the team needs it, I would even rest all the games. So I think we are here playing for India and there’s no player bigger than the country. I’m just happy to do whatever it takes for the team to do well,” he said.India, still unbeaten in both sections, will next face Spain in the open section, while the Indian women’s team will take on Mongolia.