Rustam Kasimdzhanov shared his opinion on the FIDE World Championship 2026 in an interview with Gazeta Uz. Kasimdzhanov believes that the discussion about the match’s odds stresses Javokhir Sindarov. Rustam notes that the prediction voiced by Sindarov is ‘psychologically optimized’.

Rustam Kasimdzhanov

Rustam Kasimdzhanov

Uzbekistan's Olympiad team captain

“I am not sure how useful all this discussion about chances is. Recently I heard that Sindarov himself, when asked about his chances, gave himself 50.1%, right? That is, the smallest possible edge.

I think he could well have said 50-50. I think that by this Javokhir is trying to distance himself a little from all this discussion, because it stresses him a little.

In fact, it is not good to go into a match against a very dangerous opponent while for some reason being considered a huge favorite. It is psychologically uncomfortable.

From what I have seen, Gukesh is a very strong, very dangerous chess player. Just like Javokhir. For optimal motivation, it is useful to consider the chances close to fifty percent.

And Javokhir grasped this point well. If he actually believes that his chances are 50%, then ultimately his chances grow. This is absolutely the right psychological optimization before the match.”

Javokhir Sindarov gave himself a 0.2% edge over Gukesh Dommaraju in late October. He gave himself 50.1% and Gukesh 49.9% to win the match.

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: Niki Riga / FIDE