Grand Swiss Round 8: Gukesh vs. Deshmukh!?

It has not been a fun FIDE Grand Swiss for World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju. After a third straight lost to a 2600-level opponent, this time Ediz Gurel of Turkey, he sits at 3/7, well down the standings and coupled with a rating loss of 15 points. It should not be overreacted to; every player goes through a slump, even World Champions. But indeed, it is very strange to see him sitting at a live rating 2751, which is 10th in the world.

Perhaps round 8 will offer a spark of enjoyment: Gukesh is paired against the surging Divya Deshmukh, who in 7 games against 2600s, has lost twice, drawn three times, and, following round 7, won twice as well. Her rating has experienced the exact opposite of Gukesh, gaining 15 points to set her at 2492, 12th in the Women’s rankings.

In a clash of moods, and clash of forms, the battle of 19-year-olds will be a highlight of round 8. Follow along on Lichess, September 12th at 10:15 UTC.

Photo via Tata Steel Chess 2025