D Gukesh’s ‘strong skills’ praised by FIDE Candidates winner Sindarov as he reveals World Chess Championship venue preference

Fide Candidates 2026 winner Javokhir Sindarov was full of praise for reigning world chess champion D Gukesh as he set up a mouth-watering clash against the Indian Grandmaster. Sindarov is set to take on Gukesh in the next World Chess Championship match that will take place in the November-December window later this year.

Unbeaten Sindarov won the Candidates title on his first attempt after securing 9.5 points by Round 13 and one game to spare on Wednesday. And for many, he would be the favourite to become the next world champion as Sindarov has been in blistering form, also winning the Chess World Cup in 2025. Gukesh, meanwhile, has not won anything major since beating Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship match in 2024.

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'Gukesh is one of the best players': Sindarov 

Nonetheless, Sindarov is well aware of the danger that Gukesh, the youngest chess world champion of all time, poses. After winning the Fide Candidates, Sindarov praised Gukesh's rapid rise, "strong" skills and team as he spoke about facing him for the world title.

“He’s the youngest champion in history and, of course, one of the best players in the world. He has a lot of strong skills and it will be a very exciting match. I will be very excited for this match and he has a very good team. I will just say good luck to him,” Sindarov told ChessBase India.

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

While speaking on his unprecedented run at Fide Candidates 2026, Sindarov said that not accessing social media during the tournament helped him stay focussed on the games.

"In this tournament, I was always trying to think about my preparation and only about chess. I don't see a lot of social media."

During the press conference, Sindarov was asked where he would want the World Chess Championship match to be held, and he picked Cyprus as a possible venue. The Candidates is also taking place at the Mediterranean island.

"If it will be in December, for me probably I'll choose some hot country like Cyprus. I don't want to play the World Chess Championship match in cold weather," Sindarov said in the press conference.