Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov shared his thoughts on facing reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju at the GCT Super Rapid & Blitz Poland 2026. Sindarov says he is not thinking about it, compares the tournament to the World Championship Match 2026, and notes that he will try to focus on playing good chess.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

Uzbekistan's No. 2

“How important is it that I play Gukesh here? I’m not thinking much about these games because everything is completely different here — the time control, the whole event is different.

Also, in my opinion, he thinks exactly the same. Because we have an important match at the end of the year. And right now, we just need to focus on the upcoming tournaments, try to play good chess, and not think too much about what might happen in this event.

I will just try to play good chess against him and other opponents!”

Grand Chess Tour Super Rapid & Blitz Poland 2026 will take place in Warsaw from May 5 to 10. The winner of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 and reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju will play one Rapid and two Blitz games. Sindarov and Gukesh will play in the FIDE World Championship at the end of 2026.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE