Oslo, D Javokhir Sindarov, the world championship challenger, sees no obvious weakness in Indian chess player Gukesh's game ahead of their high-intensity clash this year.
Sindarov, 20, beat a stacked field of seven contenders in the Candidates Tournament earlier this year to secure a clash against reigning world champion Gukesh at a yet-to-be-decided venue later this year.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Norway Chess Tournament, Sindarov said he will begin the World Championship preparations in right earnest only next month.
"I feel he is a very smart player. I played him at Tata Steel chess; he's really very strong," Sindarov said, recalling their dramatic draw in Wijk Aan Zee this year.
Sindarov said his lack of experience in one-on-one matches, especially in the 14-game World Championship format, weighs on his mind but he is focused on improving his game.
"I've played 6-8 matches in the men's World Cup, but this classical 14-game match, I've never played before. I know it will be very hard, and I also know I'm very close," he said.
