Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026 and reigning Champion Gukesh Dommaraju. Sindarov calls Gukesh a strong player, and shares his plans for preparation for the match.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

Uzbek GM

“Speaking about the World Championship match, I think Gukesh is a very strong player. I felt that when I played him in tournaments, including Tata Steel. Yes, he is really strong and can play chess at a very high level.

I haven’t really studied his games yet. Right now, it’s important for me to finish my own tournaments because they are also very important. The Olympiad will take place soon in my country. After that, I will start to work on this.

What does it mean to become World Champion? I don’t know, I’m not a Champion… Probably, it’s better to ask someone who has already been World Champion!”

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