Although physical prowess, skill, and stamina are crucial attributes for any elite athlete, the capacity to strategize, adjust, and overcome rivals holds comparable significance.
Quique Setien, previously the manager for Barcelona, found himself drawn to the game of chess due to its inherent regulations, board arrangements, and strategic maneuvers.
“The disciplines of chess and football share common ground; the playing pieces are linked for both offensive and defensive actions. Securing control over the central area of the playing field is paramount,” he elaborated.
His countryman, Alcaraz, similarly stated in a 2018 discussion with Vogue magazine that it enhances his performance, noting: “One must possess foresight regarding the opponent’s intended shot placement, necessitating pre-emptive movement and an attempt to execute actions that disrupt their rhythm. Consequently, I engage with it [chess] frequently.”
Pein considers the advantages for athletes to be dual in nature.
“Many individuals perceive it as an excellent method for relaxation, yet Mohamed Salah has indicated its utility in improving his soccer abilities,” he shared with BBC Sport.
“I formerly instructed Boris Becker, and he conveyed that it occasionally assisted him in formulating plans and adopting a more strategic mindset in his tennis matches. Upon his commencement of coaching [Novak] Djokovic, I observed their frequent engagement in the game.”
“The foresight and discernment of pivotal junctures are crucial, given that maintaining composure in chess is essential; allowing sentiments to influence play typically leads to defeat.”
The inherent rivalry within chess also attracts sports professionals accustomed to the intense demands and fierce struggles of top-tier contests.
“Its appeal stems from its format as a game,” Emil Sutovsky, who serves as the chief executive officer for the International Chess Federation (Fide), communicates to BBC Sport.
“As a participant in chess, one is actively engaged in competition. Chess encapsulates this combination of strategic foresight and explicit choices, akin to making a determination with each advancement of every piece, which mirrors aspects of existence, vocations, and athletic pursuits.
“I remember Carlos Alcaraz repeatedly stating his engagement in chess and how it aids him in devising his strategies throughout tennis encounters.
“Expert sports figures value chess since their inherent disposition is highly competitive, and chess presents a level of rivalry that is practically unmatched,” he further remarks.
