Javokhir Sindarov spoke about his preparation for the World Championship match 2026 and about Gukesh Dommaraju. Sindarov says he wants to feel more comfortable in high-level tournaments, and notes that he is preparing for Gukesh in his peak form. Javokhir shared his thoughts in an interview with Indian Express.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

Uzbekistan's No. 1

“I became a top chess player only this year. I was a 2700-rated player, but that doesn’t really count as being a top player.

But Gukesh has been a top 10 player for more than three years now, so he has a lot of experience playing against the best in the world. That’s why, whenever I get the chance to play in other tournaments, I want to play.

I enjoy playing against top chess players. I want to feel more comfortable in high-level tournaments before the World Championship match, and that’s why I’ve been playing so many events.

In this regard, I understand Gukesh. Last year he played a lot of tournaments and he didn’t feel very good mentally. He might have felt that he needed to work on certain things. But in my opinion, he’s a very, very strong chess player. I’ve played a lot against him, and I know he can play incredibly well.

If he’s in his top form, like we saw in 2024, anything can happen in the match. So, I am preparing for his best form.”

The FIDE World Championship 2026 is the crowning match to determine the World Champion. Match features defending Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov, the winner of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. The match will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from November 25 to December 15.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess