Nakamura backs Gukesh to defend world title against Sindarov despite contrasting form: 'As long as he works on...'

Javokhir Sindarov is set to challenge Gukesh Dommaraju for the Chess World Championship later this year after winning the Fide Candidates in dominant fashion. Sindarov wasn't among the standout favourites heading into the event, but surged into the lead following his victory over Fabiano Caruana in the fourth round and refused to relinquish the top spot thereafter, clinching victory with a round to spare.

Also Read | Gukesh vs Sindarov for world chess title was guaranteed given rivalry between India and Uzbekistan

And based on current form, the Uzbekistani Grandmaster is being widely backed to take the title off the hands of Gukesh, who had become the youngest world champion at the age of 18 in December 2024 but has been going through a lean patch for a year now.

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Nakamura says Gukesh 'has no pressure' ahead of title defence

World No 2 Hikaru Nakamura, however, has gone against the popular choice and is putting his money on the 19-year-old Indian GM for this year's World Championship showdown.

"Sindarov or Gukesh? Gukesh," Nakamura said in an interview with Fide.

"I think he has no pressure on him. Everyone expects him to lose and Sindarov to just dominate the match. And I think if Gukesh can find the form that he found in the match and the tournaments leading up to it, he’ll win.

"I think as long as he works on the mental aspects and he’s able to drown out the noise, I think he’s going to surprise people," added American GM, who was the highest-rated player at the Candidates that took place in Cyprus and concluded on Wednesday.

Sindarov won the 'Open' tournament with 10 points in 14 rounds, a full point more than what Gukesh had finished with in the 2024 edition in Toronto to become the youngest winner in the tournament's history.

Also Read | Gukesh vs Sindarov: Why India’s chess world champion faces a serious test in youngest title clash

The Women's tournament, however, went down the wire and was wide open until the final day. GM R Vaishali ended up scripting history by becoming the first Indian to win the event after beating Russian GM Kateryna Lagno in the final round, setting up a World Championship showdown with China's Ju Wenjun.