D Gukesh says Javokhir Sindarov's presence at Norway Chess was 'kind of funny'

D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov had faced each other at the Super Rapid and Blitz Poland, the opening event of this year's Grand Chess Tour, in Warsaw last month, marking their first meeting since the latter won the Fide Candidates in Cyprus. Gukesh and Sindarov would then find themselves in the same city just two weeks after the conclusion of the Poland leg of GCT, this time in Oslo that hosted the annual Norway Chess for the first time.

Only this time. the two young chess stars did not face each other over a chess board. Gukesh was among the six participants in the 'Open' category alongside compatriot and eventual champion R Praggnanandhaa as well as home favourite and seven-time winner Magnus Carlsen, among others.

Sindarov, on the other hand, was accompanying partner Bibisara Assaubayeva, who was among the participants in the women's category and would go on to win the tournament with a round to spare, much like the Uzbekistani Grandmaster did at the Candidates in April.

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'Don't need a reminder for the World Championship'

Gukesh, for one, found it "kind of funny" but added that it was "nice" to see Javokhir and Bibisara have a good time in the Norwegian capital.

"I think for the World Championship, you don’t need a reminder. It’s always there in the back of your mind," Gukesh told Hindustan Times when asked about Sindarov's presence and whether it was a reminder of their World Championship face-off or not.

"Him being here was kind of funny to me. It’s nice though that they’re having a good time," added the world champion, who celebrated his 20th birthday midway during the tournament.

Gukesh had finished third at Norway Chess last year, beating Carlsen in the sixth round to defeat the world No 1 and the five-time champion for the first time in his career.

The world champion, however, had a forgettable run this year, finishing at the bottom of the standings with just 8 points, losing five Classical games along the way which included a double at the hands of Carlsen.

Also Read | Gukesh drops bombshell on his poor form ahead of Sindarov clash: 'The truth is I care. I do get affected'

The only bright spot in his forgettable campaign was his fifth-round victory over Praggnanandhaa, winning in 47 moves with black pieces.