D Gukesh Enlists Services of Mental Conditioning Coach Paddy Upton Ahead of Championship Clash Against Ding Liren
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The teenage sensation has roped in the services of the man who helped India clinch the 2011 ODI World Cup under the leadership of the legendary MS Dhoni and more recently guided the Indian national hockey team to their second consecutive bronze medal finish at…Read More
D Gukesh. (PTI Photo)
Indian GM D Gukesh has hired renowned mental conditioning expert Paddy Upton ahead of his World Championship summit clash against Ding Liren.
The teenage sensation has roped in the services of the man who helped India clinch the 2011 ODI World Cup under the leadership of the legendary MS Dhoni and more recently guided the Indian national hockey team to their second consecutive bronze medal finish at the Olympics.
“Everything can be right in the lead-up to the big moments of performance, but if the arrow is not sharp, it won’t penetrate the bullseye,” Upton said.
“Similarly, you might have a golfer whose game is perfect, but things go wrong if they’ve got a limp wrist at the moment of impact,” the 55-year-old added.
“I think there is now more recognition in the world of sport of how mental gains can reduce these moments,” the South African continued.
Gukesh, who played an immense role in helping the nation clinch its maiden Chess Olympiad in Hungary a couple of months ago, will take on the Chinese player in the final of the Championships slated to be held in Singapore.
Gukesh would become only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to clinch the coveted title. The Indian icon has managed the feat an incredible five times over his illustrious career and Gukesh would look to emulate his idol on the grand stage when he takes on Liren.
