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Carlsen Calls Sindarov Favourite Ahead of Gukesh Title Defence
D Gukesh will play Javokhir Sindarov in the next World Chess Championship.
Magnus Carlsen thinks Sindarov is more likely to win right now.
However, Carlsen said Gukesh has shown that he can play at an extremely high level.
He advised Gukesh not to think of the match as something he must simply defend.
Instead, Gukesh should see it as a chance to gain something.
Carlsen said the first few games could strongly affect the match.
An early lead for Sindarov would make things difficult for Gukesh, while an early lead for Gukesh would make him the favourite.
Carlsen also said he prefers many faster chess formats and does not expect to return to the classical World Championship.
He added that he is still likely to play competitive chess because he enjoys it.
Magnus Carlsen said Javokhir Sindarov is the current favourite against reigning champion D Gukesh.
Carlsen urged Gukesh to view the World Championship as an opportunity rather than a burden.
He said an early lead for Sindarov would be very bad news for Gukesh, while a fast start could make Gukesh the favourite.
The match is scheduled for November 24 to December 12 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Carlsen said becoming a father made him even less likely to return to the classical World Championship, while he continues to enjoy competitive chess and faster formats.
- Who
- Reigning champion D Gukesh, challenger Javokhir Sindarov, and commentator Magnus Carlsen.
- What
- Carlsen assessed the upcoming World Chess Championship and discussed his own future in competitive chess.
- Where
- Carlsen spoke in Bengaluru during the Global Chess League; the championship will be held in Geneva, Switzerland.
- When
- Carlsen made the comments on September 10; the championship is scheduled for November 24 to December 12.
- Why
- Carlsen believes Sindarov is currently stronger in the matchup, but says Gukesh’s high-level ability, confidence, and early initiative could change the result.
Gukesh’s Potential
Sindarov’s Current Advantage
Match favourite
Gukesh’s Potential
Carlsen said Gukesh has previously shown the potential to play at an extremely high level and could gain confidence during the match.
Sindarov’s Current Advantage
Carlsen said there is currently no question that Sindarov is the favourite.
Importance of the opening games
Gukesh’s Potential
If Gukesh moves ahead early, Carlsen said he would automatically become a significant favourite.
Sindarov’s Current Advantage
If Sindarov takes an early lead, Carlsen said it would probably be very bad news for Gukesh.
Psychological balance
Gukesh’s Potential
Strong play by Gukesh could create doubts for Sindarov and build Gukesh’s confidence.
Sindarov’s Current Advantage
Sindarov’s current standing means Gukesh must put him under pressure to change the match’s psychological balance.
Key facts
- Reigning champion
- D Gukesh
- Challenger
- Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan
- Carlsen’s assessment
- Sindarov is the current favourite
- Championship dates
- November 24–December 12
- Championship location
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Carlsen’s advice
- Gukesh should take the initiative from the start
- Carlsen’s classical-chess position
- He does not expect to return to the classical World Championship
Quotes
Magnus Carlsen
World No. 1 Norwegian chess player commenting on the upcoming championship match
“I think the word defend is really not a good place to begin, because in terms of how Gukesh has played for the last couple of years, he should not be in a position where he has to defend anything. He should be in a position where he has everything to gain.”
theprint.in
“I think if Sindarov is ahead early on, it’s probably very, very bad news for Gukesh. If Gukesh is ahead early on, he automatically becomes a significant favourite. That’s how these matches work.”
theprint.in
indianexpress.com
Sources
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