Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov shared how he learned about World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju. Javokhir recalls how Gukesh became a grandmaster earlier than him, and says they’re not close friends.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

Uzbekistan's No. 2

“I found out about Sindarov about 10 years ago or even more. I remember we played our first game around 2016 or 2017.

He became a grandmaster at a younger age than me. I think at that time I was second youngest, and he surpassed Sergey Karjakin. Even then I understood he would become a very strong chess player.

When I realized he was very close to getting the grandmaster title, I started following all his tournaments. Of course, he is very strong and became a grandmaster before me by age. It’s fantastic!

I have many friends. I’m a very straightforward person, but I have never spoken to Gukesh. I have friends from India — Arjun, Nihal. I’m very good friends with them, but I’ve never spoken to Gukesh. We only talk about games and nothing else.”

Reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju became a grandmaster at the age of 12 years and 7 months. Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov received the title 3 months later than Javokhir. Sindarov and Gukesh will play in the FIDE World Championship at the end of 2026.

Credit: Lennart Ootes