'Gukesh won’t fear Sindarov in World Chess Championship match, he will relish it'

Reigning world champion D Gukesh has been backed to hold his nerve and defend his title against Javokhir Sindarov in the upcoming FIDE World Chess Championship match later this year. Sindarov qualified for the marquee clash by winning the 2026 FIDE Candidates in a dominant manner.

English Grandmaster Daniel Gormally shared his views on his YouTube channel, saying that Gukesh’s previous experience of playing and winning a world championship gives him a key advantage going into the clash. Gukesh became the youngest world champion in 2024 after he defeated China's Ding Liren.

"I think he's [Sindarov] got a good chance, don't get me wrong, but Gukesh got an advantage in that match. Gukesh has won the world championship before, so he's not going to be as nervous as Sindarov is. He's used to that situation. He's used to all the cameras flashing. I think Gukesh will relish his match. He'll relish his chance to prove himself. You know, this will give him the kick out the backside that he needs," Gormally said.

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'Gukesh is a different kettle of fish'

Gormally added that Gukesh would enjoy the occasion and see it as a chance to prove himself again. He also pointed out that Gukesh would not be intimidated by Sindarov’s aggressive style, unlike some players seen in the Candidates tournament. He said that Gukesh knows Sindarov very well and won't fear him at all.

"You know, 'look it doesn't matter what I'm doing away from the world championship. I am the world champion. Somebody has to beat me in a match to prove that I'm not.' He's not going to go in there thinking, 'Oh, Sindarov, so impressive. Blah, blah, blah.' He knows Sindarov. They're the same age, more or less. So, they're kind of grown up together in these junior events. He won't fear Sindarov at all. I don't think. Quite possibly the other way around," he said.

"He won't fear Sindarov. I feel like a lot of these players in the Candidates have actually been intimidated by Sindarov and I think that a lot of them couldn't handle Sindarov's style of play which is quite dynamic, whereas I think Gukesh is a different kettle of fish. He loves that kind of play, he loves these kind of murky positions, he thrives in them so I think he's actually not going to get intimidated by Sindarov style of play at all. He might get beaten by Sindarov on pure ability who knows but it's going to be a close match," Gormally added.

The much-anticipated clash between Gukesh and Sindarov is expected to be one of the most exciting world championship matches in recent years. Both players will be 20 years old at the time of the match, which is expected to take place between November 23 and December 17.