India, Oct. 8 -- After winning the World Chess C'ship, D Gukesh found an arch-rival in Magnus Carlsen. The Norwegian, who has been away from the FIDE cycle, criticised the quality of Gukesh's match against Ding Liren. The pair have faced each other multiple times this year in Norway Chess, Grand Chess Tour 2025 and also in Freestyle Chess. Now the Indian GM has found a rival in Hikaru Nakamura.

The American GM's celebration after defeating Gukesh in an exhibition event created controversy recently. Nakamura checkmated Gukesh and then threw the Indian GM's king into the crowd, while continuing to urge them to cheer louder. It wasn't only a controversy, it also set up a rivalry, which could define chess in the coming years.

They are going...