Russian GM Denis Lazavik shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026 and reigning Champion Gukesh Dommaraju. Lazavik says the match outcome is unclear, and believes Gukesh will regain his form in the future.

Denis Lazavik

Denis Lazavik

Russian GM

“Gukesh or Sindarov? It’s quite unclear.

Sindarov showed very good play, but two years ago, Gukesh showed the same. When he won the Candidates, everyone said he was incredibly strong, even better than Magnus. So, it’s hard to say.

But in general, I believe in Gukesh. I think he’ll be able to get back on track. Maybe not even before the Match, maybe he’ll lose it. But in general, at some point, he’ll recover and start showing his best again.

It’s highly unlikely that he showed his great 2800+ chess for a year, and then just nothing. I’m pretty sure that at some point, he’ll start playing very well.”

Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju finished 8th/10th at the Sinquefield Cup 2025, 41th at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, and was eliminated in the 3rd round of the FIDE World Cup 2025. In February Gukesh finished 9th at the Tata Steel Chess Masters 2026. In March Gukesh Dommaraju (2732) finished last at the Prague International Chess Festival.

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 location and date of the match will be announced by FIDE later this year.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess