World Chess Championship: Sindarov says Gukesh has no clear weakness despite recent form

Javokhir Sindarov said D Gukesh’s recent struggles did not reveal any clear weakness. The 20-year-old Uzbek will face Gukesh for the world title later in 2026.

The venue is still undecided. Sindarov, speaking during the Norway Chess Tournament, said Sindarov’s main worry is limited match experience.

Sindarov earned the challenge by winning the Candidates Tournament earlier in 2026. Sindarov came through a field of seven rivals. The result set up a 14-game World Championship match against the reigning champion. Sindarov said the scale of that format feels new and demanding.

World Championship match plans for D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov

"I feel he is a very smart player. I played him at Tata Steel chess; hes really very strong,\" Sindarov said. Sindarov referred to their tense draw at Wijk Aan Zee in 2026. \"I dont see any clear weakness in his game. From next month Ill start my preparations, but right now I need to focus on the Olympiad. My team is already working on the World Championship,\" Sindarov said.

Sindarov said the one-on-one nature of the contest is the main unknown. \"Actually, Ive played 6-8 matches in the mens World Cup in Goa last year, but this classical 14-game match, Ive never played before. I cannot say anything because I dont have any experience, but I know it will be very hard, and I also know Im very close.So, Im close to winning this tournament, like Gukesh also, because the chances might be similar, so it will be a very good match. But from my side, I just want to work on my chess and play well in my next tournament and in the World Championship match too,\" Sindarov said.

Sindarov last faced Gukesh in Poland during the Grand Chess Tour Super Rapid and Blitz in 2026. Sindarov lost to Gukesh in rapid play. Sindarov said it was the first time they met after the challenger spot was confirmed. Sindarov also noted that match preparation will begin properly next month.

World Championship workload and training for D Gukesh challenger Javokhir Sindarov

Sindarov said training hours have increased sharply since last year. \"From last year, I can say only one thing, that I really work a lot. I mean, even if you take how many hours I play the Counter-Strike game, I really work a lot,\" Sindarov said. \"I work 10 hours in one day, like probably in one year it should be more than 80-90 days...and weve really worked a lot on chess and the results are coming.\"

Sindarov linked the heavy schedule to long-term goals in elite chess. \"I want to be a very strong chess player, and 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. There is a dream,\" Sindarov added. Sindarov earlier spoke about motivation dips after early success.

Sindarov said targets are not set in fixed steps anymore. \"No, I mean, of course, I never think like next year I will be a Candidate winner, lets say last year, but okay, everything can happen,\" Sindarov said. Sindarov became a grandmaster at 12. Sindarov later won the Candidates, after earlier success in youth events.

World Championship venue talk as D Gukesh awaits Javokhir Sindarov

Sindarov said warm weather would suit the match, while comfort is not essential. \"Actually, for me, in general, I want to play in a hot country. Winter is a little bit uncomfortable for me. But Im not a chess player who needs very comfortable conditions, because I grew up in all kinds of conditions.So for me, it doesnt matter where I play. Just a nice food centre -- that would be the best thing to have in a match,\" Sindarov said with a laugh. \"I will be very happy to play somewhere like Cyprus.\"

Asked about earlier coaching, Sindarov described missed time and later gains. \"I feel when I was young, if I trained a lot, I would be world champion. I know I have big potential because, in my opinion, I have very good talent for the game, and even when I didnt train much,\" Sindarov said. \"It was very hard to find a good person who can teach me, and when I started working with Roman Vidonyak, I feel I really improved my chess.\"

Sindarov also pointed to support from fellow players during the climb. Bibisara Assaubayeva, the current womens world blitz champion, was named as a key presence. Assaubayeva is playing the womens event at Norway Chess. \"We grew up together and help each other a lot in tournaments,\" Sindarov said.

Sindarov said the next few weeks will prioritise the Olympiad before full match work begins next month. Sindarov maintained that Gukesh remains a strong opponent despite recent form talk. With the venue still pending, Sindarov said focus stays on preparation, experience gaps, and steady training ahead of the 14-game World Championship.

With inputs from PTI