Gukesh's Mixed Performances in European Club Cup

India's Dommaraju Gukesh has faced a series of mixed performance results at the European Club Cup just a month before his biggest match. The previously unbeaten player at the Chess Olympiad and the Sinquefield Cup, Gukesh lost his first game in 38 classical matches against GM Dmitry Andreikin due to a few poor decisions. This loss significantly affected his live rating, pressing it down from the impressive 2800 level to 2788. His following games offered more of a mixed bag, with wins against Margeir Petursson and David Gorodetzky, yet also draws against Rauf Mamedov and Jergus Pechac.

Despite his fluctuating form, Gukesh remains positive and sees this as an opportunity to find a balance between his preparation and playing in tournaments. He insists that he is neither over nor under-prepared, claiming that being in active competition and consistently playing games helps maintain his form. This attitude reflects his point of view that he enjoys the whole cyclic process of tournament preparation to actual play.

Interestingly, Gukesh has downplayed any possibilities of him being the favorite in his big match. While acknowledging the high skill level of both him and his opponent, he is keen to use this to his advantage and bring out minute differences between their styles that might swing the game in his favor. He is hopeful that the series of games will be thoroughly entertaining and is looking forward to the experience.