Javokhir Sindarov shared his thoughts on Gukesh Dommaraju in an interview with Hindustan Times. Sindarov believes Gukesh was in peak form at the 2022 and 2024 Olympiads, and notes that the World Championship match 2026 will be difficult for both of them.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

Uzbekistan's No. 1

“When Gukesh beat my record by becoming the second-youngest GM in history, I knew he’s going to be a strong player. I never predicted he would become World Champion.

To me, Gukesh’s best form was in the 2022 Olympiad, also the 2024 one too. He played very well in the Candidates 2024, but I don’t think it was his peak form. I was really impressed by his games from the Olympiad though. There is a lot to learn from them.

The match will be very hard for both of us but I suppose it’s better when you’ve played a match at least once.”

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: Michal Walusza / FIDE