Romanian GM Mihail Marin shared his opinion about the players for the World Championship match 2026. Marin says that Javokhir Sindarov tries to think independently from the computer, and notes the high computer accuracy of Gukesh Dommaraju’s play.

Mihail Marin

Mihail Marin

Romanian GM

“There are only a few months left until the World Championship match between the reigning Champion Gukesh and the challenger Sindarov. So, I thought maybe I should talk a bit about the two contenders.

And I will start with Sindarov, because I heard rumors, maybe it’s an official information, that his coach has prohibited him from using engines for a whole year to make him think independently and to strengthen his mind. And that sounds extraordinary actually.

The point is that this puts Sindarov in a clear contrast with the World Champion, with his opponent.

Because Kasparov, I saw an interview with Kasparov in which he said about Gukesh. I think he used the words: ‘Gukesh is the computer’. He meant that he has this accuracy move by move, he plays the very best computer lines.

And actually, I also noticed that. So, if we are talking about Gukesh in his best days, then we are talking about very high accuracy. But accuracy in a mathematical way of saying it.

Sindarov, if what I heard is true, is the opposite. He tries to think independently. And this is likely to be a very interesting confrontation.”

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: Lennart Ootes