1. A Timeless Struggle on the Boards
In a chess world brimming with rising talents and relentless prodigies, the likes of Vasyl Ivanchuk (56), Alexei Shirov (53), and Boris Gelfand (57) stand out—not for diminishing prowess but for enduring spirit and competitive mastery. At the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, these grandmasters are doing more than participating: they’re asserting that experience still has its edge. The Indian Express
Yes, they may no longer be prime contenders for Candidates spots—but they still show up, take their place across the board, and remind eager youngsters that chess doesn’t end with age.
2. Tactical Tenacity Meets Psychological Cloak-and-Dagger
There’s a scene that sticks: Vidit Gujrathi, nearly defeated, looks up with frustration after being dragged into a punishing endgame battle by Ivanchuk. The Ukrainian remains laser-focused, oblivious, and accepts a draw with a shrug. The Indian Express
This moment underlines Ivanchuk’s unmatched psychological resilience—not just his tactical acumen, but his ability to unsettle and endure. For veterans, it’s not only about what you play, but how you wear your battle scars.
3. Underrated Strength of Seasoned Minds
Despite decades of fewer appearances, Gelfand and Shirov prove they can still mix it up with elite competition. At this Grand Swiss, all three maintain impressive scores—with Ivanchuk and Shirov holding three points each, placing them on par with rising stars like world champion Gukesh and two-time title contender Ian Nepomniachtchi. The Indian Express
Gelfand’s path crossed with one of his protégés, Praggnanandhaa—a poignant reminder that the torch is passing—but veterans still burn with ambition. Though Gelfand suffered a defeat to his former mentee, the match was still a testament to his enduring fighting spirit. The Indian Express
4. Chess as Lifelong Devotion, Not Just Achievement
These aren’t comebacks or nostalgia trips. They’re players who love the game and refuse to concede—even when medals and world championships are long behind them. As Amit Kamath puts it, they’ve traveled to Samarkand more to fight than to win—showing that chess isn’t a sprint but a lifetime’s marathon. The Indian Express
5. Reflection Through the Eyes of Legends
Viswanathan Anand, now FIDE Deputy President, has longtime memories of Ivanchuk. He once described facing Ivanchuk as mentally draining: “He’d ignore other opponents all week, only focusing on you when the match came.” Anand recounted how Ivanchuk’s psychological depth sometimes outweighed his actual moves—an emotional chess we don’t often see, especially at the top. The Indian Express
6. A Message to Young Guns and Fans
For rising GMs like Vidit, Praggnanandhaa, and others, these matches are more than theory—they’re life lessons. Endgame endurance, mental toughness, strategic patience—these are the masters’ legacy, passed not through lectures, but by playing on the board.
It’s a reminder to every player—age is not a barrier, it’s an advantage in disguise.
7. The Grace of the Endgame
These three wield a quiet eloquence, bridging eras of chess. Their presence is a living history: Ivanchuk’s unpredictability, Gelfand’s analytical clarity, and Shirov’s creative dynamism each reflect legendary schools of thought and play.
Having lost world championship battles to Anand (Shirov in 2000, Gelfand in 2012), they are marked by rivalry—but their ongoing battles now serve a different purpose: to quietly affirm that love for the game transcends titles. The Indian Express
8. Final Thoughts
Chess is a game of the mind—a battlefield that rewards clarity, experience, and composure as much as youthful vigor. These grandmasters are not just playing; they are setting an example. Their games are not only matches, but meditations on why the game endures—as do they.
For fans, there’s romance in watching them make long endgames, hold positions, and draw with quiet confidence.
For soon-to-be champions, their legacy is looming: battle with brilliance, carry undeniable conviction—not just moves.
In Samarkand, on any given board, one of these seniors might not win trophies—but they often win something more: our admiration.
************************
Link to the original article on Indian Express
Our Summer Chess Camps are the best!
We have daily Online Group Lessons for all players of all skill levels!
Our Monthly Chess Tournaments are great for testing your skills!
Get a School Chess Program today!
Join the official Summit School of Chess Club (on Chess.com)