Even as questions continue to swirl around D Gukesh and his recent dip in form, his World Championship challenger Javokhir Sindarov remains unconvinced there are any obvious flaws to exploit in the Indian’s game.
The 20-year-old Uzbek, who earned the right to challenge for the world title by winning the Candidates Tournament earlier this year, said he views Gukesh as one of the strongest players in the world despite the reigning champion’s recent struggles.
“I feel he is a very smart player. I played him at Tata Steel Chess; he’s really very strong,” Sindarov said on the sidelines of the ongoing Norway Chess 2026.
“I don’t see any clear weakness in his game.”
The two are set to meet in a 14-game World Championship match later this year, although
the venue is yet to be finalised. Sindarov revealed that while his team has already begun preparations, he plans to intensify his own work from next month onwards.
“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 said.
While many observers have focused on Gukesh’s recent results, Sindarov admitted his bigger concern is his own lack of experience in long-form head-to-head matches.
“I’ve never played a classical 14-game match before,” he said. “I know it will be very hard, but I also know I’m very close. It will be a very good match.”
The Uzbek star has emerged as one of the fastest-rising players in world chess and credits relentless work for his progress. According to Sindarov, his daily routine often stretches beyond 10 hours of chess preparation.
“I really work a lot,” he said. “I work 10 hours in one day. We’ve really worked a lot on chess and the results are coming.”
His ultimate ambition is clear.
“I want to be a very strong chess player. If I keep working in this system of putting in long hours, I believe I can become one of the strongest players in the world.”
(with PTI inputs)
