D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov are set to face each other at the upcoming World Chess Championships this year, where the Indian GM will be defending his title. Gukesh became the youngest-ever undisputed world champion in 2024, defeating Ding Liren. But since then, it's been a downward spiral for him, and he has been in poor form.
His poor form has been well-reflected at the ongoing 2026 Norway Chess. He lost to R Praggnanandhaa in their Round 9 game and is currently bottom of the standings with 1 win, 4 defeats, 4 draws, and 2 Armageddon victories.
Speaking to PTI, Sindarov said, “I feel he is a very smart player. I played him at Tata Steel chess; he’s really very strong.”
“I don’t see any clear weakness in his game. From next month I’ll start my preparations, but right now I need to focus on the Olympiad. My team is already working on the World Championship,” he added.
The upcoming World C'ship will have a 14-game format, and it could pose a huge challenge for Sindarov. “Actually, I’ve played 6-8 matches in the men’s World Cup, but this classical 14-game match, I’ve never played before. I cannot say anything because I don’t have any experience, but I know it will be very hard, and I also know I’m very close,” he said.
