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Gukesh had credited his mental coach Paddy Upton for providing the edge in his record-breaking chess triumph.
Paddy Upton has brought success with his expertise in mental conditioning. (Image: X)
One of the key figures that were behind the success of D Gukesh’s record-setting title in the FIDE World Chess Championship is none other than the mental-conditioning coach, Paddy Upton.
Upon has been with some of India’s finest athletes which includes the Indian Cricket Team during the 2011 World Cup, the senior men’s hockey team before the Olympics and now with Gukesh for his historic run at the FIDE World Chess Championship.
Despite having called time on his sporting career at 25, Upton has managed to carve his name within the sport by bringing more light to the importance of mental conditioning, especially when it comes to elite athletes.
Gukesh emphasised the importance of Upton’s contributions in the lead-up to the big match-up and once again has produced the magic touch to give India, yet another sport to look into in the near future.
Paddy (Upton) has been a huge support for me for six months before the world championship. Although he is not a part of my chess team, he is a very important person in my team and my journey towards this match,” Gukesh said during the press conference.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Upton explained how it was important to have all their bases covered in terms of preparation coming into the finale where he has a detailed and specific approach to give Gukesh the conditions to succeed.
“If you want to do well in an exam or test, you need to study the whole book exceptionally well. Then you can go into that exam with confidence. You don’t go in with hope,” Upton was quoted saying.
“And in terms of studying the whole book for a World Chess Championship title, Gukesh has studied the whole book. In every minor bit of detail, down to how he manages his sleep, how he manages his downtime, to how he manages himself moment to moment within a game. We’re seeing an exceptionally well-prepared professional”.
Upton’s contribution to improving the mental aspect of India’s elite athletes will remain a key factor in all of India’s sporting glory as the South African continues to share his wealth of knowledge with more Indian athletes.
