India, March 7 -- He is the chess world champion at 18 but D Gukesh says there is a lot left to achieve before comparisons with former world champion Magnus Carlsen can make sense. Carlsen had refused to defend the title, citing a lack of motivation for playing classical chess in the existing structure.

Carlsen's withdrawal led to Ding claiming the world title in 2023 after defeating Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi. Gukesh became the youngest world champion after defeating Ding last December. "I'm honoured to win the world championship title but there is a long way to go before comparing with Magnus," said Gukesh at the Trailblazers 3.0 sports conclave here on Friday.

"It's a positive thing that I have won this but there is also someone lik...