**Sindarov Focuses on Preparation Over Predictions Ahead of Gukesh Title Clash**
As the chess world eagerly anticipates the youngest World Chess Championship match in history, challenger Javokhir Sindarov is concentrating on his preparation rather than speculating on the outcome. The 20-year-old Uzbek prodigy, who recently triumphed in the Candidates Tournament, is set to face reigning champion Gukesh Dommaraju, also 20, in Geneva. The championship will unfold over 14 classical games from November 24 to December 12.
Sindarov, who has made headlines this season by also winning the World Cup, is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. In a recent video call, he emphasized his respect for Gukesh's abilities, stating, "Gukesh is very strong. I played with him a few times and I really feel he is a very strong chess player." He expressed his intention to focus on his own game and enjoy the experience, rather than getting caught up in the pre-match hype.
Much of the discussion leading up to the championship has revolved around Gukesh's inconsistent performance since he captured the world title in Singapore in 2024. However, Sindarov remains unfazed by these results, asserting that recent form does not necessarily predict performance in a championship setting. "I didn’t take what he played in the last tournaments seriously because during a match he can be completely different," he explained. "I’m trying to prepare for his best chess form."
The match has attracted attention from several chess luminaries, including Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana, who have shared their insights on the contest. However, Sindarov is determined to remain focused on his own preparation without being swayed by outside opinions. He pointed to Gukesh's previous victory over Ding Liren in the 2024 championship as a reminder that expectations can quickly become irrelevant in such high-stakes matches.
Sindarov's remarkable season has positioned him well for this championship. He secured the Candidates title with a round to spare, achieving four consecutive victories against elite competitors, marking one of the most dominant performances in recent chess history. His coach, Roman Vidonyak, is overseeing his preparations for the upcoming match, and Sindarov is keen to stick with the successful strategies that have served him well thus far. "We will not change a lot of things because what we did worked in our last tournaments," he noted. "We will just improve what we did before the Candidates and the World Cup."
Despite his successes, Sindarov has faced challenges, including a defeat at the Sinquefield Cup in August against fellow Indian grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa. This loss is one of only two he has recorded this year. While he acknowledged that Praggnanandhaa has presented unique challenges throughout their encounters, he dismissed the notion that Praggnanandhaa could provide Gukesh with any significant advantage in their title match. "I think Gukesh doesn’t need his advice because both of us understand where we have weaknesses and where we are not strong," he stated.
As the championship date approaches, the chess community is poised for an exciting showdown between two of the brightest young talents in the game. Sindarov's focus on preparation and his commitment to his own style of play may prove crucial as he seeks to dethrone the reigning champion and make history in the process.