Gukesh Loses 3rd Game and Finds Himself Under Pressure

Gukesh loses 3rd game in a row at the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, marking a worrying streak for the world champion. After a highly promising start to the tournament, things have turned difficult. His latest loss came in round 7, where 16‑year‑old Turkish grandmaster Ediz Gurel caught him off guard after a blunder just after move 40. That error allowed Gurel to gain decisive material advantage in the endgame.

Earlier in the event, losses to another 16‑year‑old, Abhimanyu Mishra, and Greek GM Nikolas Theodorou had already shaken expectations. The rest day between those rounds offered little respite.

Rising Prodigies Take Spotlight as Gukesh Loses 3rd Game

This string of defeats isn’t simply about form; it’s drawing attention to a generational shift in chess. Young players are not only challenging established names but actually defeating them.

• Abhimanyu Mishra, aged 16, became the youngest to beat a reigning world champion in a classical game when he defeated Gukesh.

• Similarly, Theodorou, also 16, secured a victory over Gukesh in round 6.

• Then came Ediz Gurel (16) in round 7, delivering another loss.

Overall, Gukesh’s position in the standings has slipped: he now has just 3 points from 7 games, meaning he must win all remaining games if he hopes to finish near the top.

Matchup with Divya Deshmukh Offers Hope

As the pressure mounts, Gukesh’s next round is against Divya Deshmukh, another promising player. She has chosen to compete in the open section of the Grand Swiss instead of the women’s section, which shows confidence and ambition. This match is more than just another pairing — it’s an opportunity for Gukesh to arrest his losing streak. A win will help restore confidence, but the leader‑board math is still unforgiving.

What’s at Stake and Reactions

With Gukesh loses 3rd game, his chances for qualifying or placing high are under serious threat. The top players — such as Nihal Sarin and Matthias Bluebaum — are benefiting from his errors, grabbing the lead in the standings.

Chess commentators and fans are reacting strongly. Some express concern, others offer encouragement, pointing out that even legends have rough patches. Gukesh is still young; many believe this stretch is a test of his mental resilience more than anything else.

There’s also discussion about whether the rest day should have helped more than it did. Some speculate fatigue, psychological pressure of being world champion, or overzealous play may have affected

What’s Next for Gukesh After It Loses 3rd Game

Gukesh is set to face Divya Deshmukh next, who has chosen to compete in the open section (instead of just women’s) at the Grand Swiss. That match gives him an opportunity to break the losing streak and regain confidence.Meanwhile, his only hope to stay in contention for the top standings depends on winning all remaining games and hoping others have slip‑ups. The margin is very tight. 

Fans and fellow players are also offering support, reminding the young world champion that even the greatest champions go through tough patches. The pressure as world champion is high, but many believe he has ability and experience to turn things around. Also Read: India Win Against China Sees Harmanpreet Hat Trick in Thrilling 4-3 Opener

Conclusion

Gukesh loses 3rd game in a row, underlining one of the toughest stretches in his young champion career. Facing defeat by younger grandmasters has shaken his run at the Grand Swiss, but upcoming matches offer a chance for recovery. The chess world watches closely as the stakes rise.