India, Feb. 15 -- D Gukesh's winless run continued as he lost to Alireza Firouzja on Friday, and had to settle for eighth place at the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, in Wangels (Germany). In their first game on Thursday, Gukesh managed a sensational comeback to secure a draw against Firouzja, but then failed to back it up in their second game, and he ended up losing in 30 moves.

Many fans have pointed out his weakness in shorter formats, and in Chess960. But many have also felt that he needs some time, or he could simply be preferring the FIDE World C'ship cycle more than the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. As reigning world champion, he is an automatic qualifier in all Grand Slam events.

Gukesh's coach Grzegorz Gajewski was a...