Maghsoodloo explains why Gukesh could have edge over Sindarov in World Championship: 'He is a bit better, but...'

Parham Maghsoodloo has shared his prediction for the upcoming FIDE World Chess Championship 2026 match between reigning champion Dommaraju Gukesh and challenger Javokhir Sindarov. The Iranian grandmaster believes Sindarov may be slightly stronger overall, but feels Gukesh’s playing style could give the Indian star an important advantage in the title clash.

Speaking about the matchup, Maghsoodloo said that Sindarov struggles against Gukesh because of the kind of positions he gets into during their games. According to him, the Uzbek grandmaster often ends up in uncomfortable situations against Gukesh’s style of play.

“I think, in general, in overall chess, Sindarov is a bit better. But somehow Sindarov’s style does not suit Gukesh’s style. It’s very hard for Sindarov to play against Gukesh because he always gets positions he is not very comfortable with. If it continues like this, I feel Gukesh’s style will overcome in the match,” Maghsoodloo told Chessbase India.

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Who holds the edge going into the World Championship match?

Sindarov earned the right to challenge Gukesh after winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 in dominant fashion last month. The young Uzbek star has been one of the most consistent performers in world chess over the last two years.

Before the world championship match, Gukesh and Sindarov faced each other at the Grand Chess Tour: Super Rapid and Blitz Poland 2026 event in Warsaw this week. Gukesh won their only rapid game, but Sindarov bounced back strongly in the blitz section and defeated the Indian grandmaster on back-to-back days.

Gukesh has had mixed results since becoming world champion in 2024 after defeating Ding Liren. The Indian teenager recently announced that he would take a break from major classical tournaments in order to focus fully on preparing for the world title defense.

Sindarov, meanwhile, has continued his impressive rise in world chess. He won the Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa, which helped him qualify for the Candidates Tournament. After winning the Candidates, he officially became the challenger for the World Championship match against Gukesh.