D Gukesh scripted history on December 12 by winning the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024. The 18-year-old became the youngest ever to become the chess world champion when he defeated Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 after the latter made a blunder in the contest. D Gukesh broke Garry Kasparov's record of being the youngest-ever chess world champion and also became the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to attain the honour. After the historic victory, D Gukesh revealed the team that worked on the sidelines to help him achieve this feat. And one of them included Paddy Upton, mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton. D Gukesh Crowned Youngest Chess World Champion, Becomes Second Indian To Win Title After Beating Ding Liren in Thrilling FIDE World Chess Championship 2024.

D Gukesh Reveals His Team After FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 Win

Paddy Upton is not a new name in Indian sport. The South African-born cricket coach has had stints with the Indian men's cricket team as well as the India men's hockey team and now, he has also played a key role in D Gukesh scripting chess history in Singapore. The mental conditioning coach joined forces with D Gukesh to help him prepare for the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024. After the 18-year-old's success over Ding Liren, Paddy Upton, in an interview, shed light on the work he did with Gukesh.

"I've been speaking to him for probably once a week for the last six months, just preparing him to manage his mind in a big event," Paddy Upton said while adding that the plan was to prepare him for the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 in such a way that he did not need to contact him during the 14-game showdown. "The idea was the less input I need to give during the 14 games, is a reflection of how well his preparation was," he further stated. Furthermore, he also pointed out the fact that players often make a big mistake, that is they need to something different in their first appearance at a big event. Old Video of 11-Year-Old D Gukesh Saying He Wants To Become Youngest World Chess Champion Goes Viral After He Achieves Feat With FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 Win, Fans React.

Paddy Upton Shares How He Helped D Gukesh Prepare for World Chess Championship 2024

'Surely the Best in the Business'

'Padma Award' for Paddy Upton

The South African was earlier a support staff of the Indian cricket team's 2011 ODI World Cup title triumph. He also played a role in the Indian men's hockey team winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, securing a second consecutive finish at the Olympic Games for the first time since 1972.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2024 10:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).