India’s third GM, Pravin Thipsay, shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026. Thipsay says Javokhir Sindarov has not yet reached the level of Gukesh Dommaraju at his best, and notes Gukesh’s performance at the 2024 and 2022 Olympiads.

Pravin Thipsay

Pravin Thipsay

Indian GM

“If Gukesh is at his best and Sindarov is at his best, it will be a good match. But still, it will go in favor of the Indian. Gukesh will win.

I think Sindarov has been playing wonderfully since the World Cup last year. But if you look at Gukesh’s best, I think Sindarov hasn’t reached that class yet.

So, it all depends on how Gukesh plays. Because Gukesh’s performance in the 2024 Olympiad, when he won the gold, or 2022 Olympiad, when he won his first eight games, was unparalleled. And even Sindarov is not in a position to perform that well.

So, a lot will depend on how Gukesh plays.”

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