Grace, style, humility, and joy.

After watching Gukesh win the championship today and watching the final press conference, it is obvious that he is the embodiment of the attributes listed in the title. What a great role model for me and for chess as a whole. Having recently seen notable examples of the opposite of those attributes displayed by other players around the world, Gukesh's gentlemanly example is a breath of fresh air. Much has been said about what a gentlemen former champion Max Euwe was, and now we may have a new champion who even exceeds that example! And he is only 18!

He is also a great example for me about dealing with loss in chess. Loss is part of the journey and embracing loss and then fighting hard to overcome it and get better can be so satisfying. Thank you Gukesh for providing a never give up example.

At one point in the match when playing on in a likely drawn position Gukesh remarked, and I paraphrase, " I just wanted to play on , I LOVE chess".  In my own life I hope to keep maintaining such a love for the game.