“Sindarov is the favorite, but not a huge one...” — Jan-Krzysztof Duda on Gukesh vs. Sindarov 2026

Jan-Krzysztof Duda

Poland's No. 1

“You support Gukesh? Yes. I don’t generally like young World Champions, to be honest. But since he already is one, it is what it is.

Right now, at this moment, Sindarov is undoubtedly the favorite. But a match is a completely different dynamic. The fact that Sindarov had several good tournaments and Gukesh didn’t — that really doesn’t mean anything. Because a match is, first of all, a matter of psychology, and secondly, a matter of openings, for example. You are able to easily neutralize someone with black.

I think Gukesh would have good chances if he started playing more for holding, trying to strike from counterattacks. But honestly, I don’t think he is capable of playing that way, because he’s an aggressive player and likes to rush forward.

I think Sindarov is the favorite, but not a huge one. It’s hard to say, because it’s like fortune-telling.”