"A huge advantage is that I do have more experience than Sindarov…" — Gukesh Dommaraju

Gukesh Dommaraju

Reigning World Champion

“[Sagar Shah: What do you think are your biggest strengths going into the match?]

Obviously, Sindarov has been red-hot from this year and second half of last year, I think. So, he’s a well-rounded player. He can play wide positions well. He can attack well. Basically, a very, very top-class player.

I guess if we are comparing our strengths, I think there are similar strengths and weaknesses in both sides. And it’s about who manages to stay in good shape and is able to handle and absorb the pressure and deliver when the day comes.

And a huge advantage is that I do have more experience than him. I playеd a World Championship. I’ve been playing regularly at the top since the start of 2023.

And not to say he is not experienced. Obviously, he is playing as an experienced professional. But I think the extra couple of years would count to something.

And I also know how it feels to be in those 18 days. For example, what kind of things you go through. Also, it helps that the last match went down to the last game. It has pros and cons having played a match, compared to not, but I feel that if I make some clever choices, prepare in the right way, I would be able to bring my best.

And one thing that I also learned from Sindarov is that he seems to be so happy! While playing chess, while doing a lot of fun stuff. And I think that’s inspiring for me also.”