Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Carlsen Calls Sindarov Favourite Ahead of Gukesh Title Defence
Magnus Carlsen is giving advice about an important chess match.
Gukesh will play against Sindarov.
Carlsen thinks Sindarov is more likely to win.
He says Gukesh should not think only about protecting his title.
Instead, Gukesh should see the match as a chance to improve and gain something.
Carlsen also says Gukesh has shown he can play extremely well.
This happens when Gukesh is in good form and everything works for him.
Gukesh's fellow players also think the match will be difficult.
Magnus Carlsen says Sindarov is the favourite against Gukesh.
Carlsen believes Gukesh should not view the match simply as a title defence.
He describes the contest as an opportunity for Gukesh to gain.
Carlsen says Gukesh can play at a very high level when things click.
Gukesh's peers also expect the match against Sindarov to be difficult.
- Who
- Gukesh, Sindarov, Magnus Carlsen, and Gukesh's peers.
- What
- Carlsen has assessed Sindarov as the favourite ahead of the world championship match against Gukesh.
- When
- Ahead of the world championship match; no specific date is stated.
- Why
- Carlsen's view is based on Gukesh's form, while noting that Gukesh can reach a very high level when things click.
- Favourite
- Magnus Carlsen says Sindarov is the favourite.
- Match
- Sindarov is set to face Gukesh in a world championship match.
- Carlsen's advice
- Gukesh should view the contest as an opportunity to gain, rather than only as a title defence.
- Gukesh's potential
- Carlsen says Gukesh can play at a very high level when things click for him.
- Peer assessment
- Gukesh's peers believe he will not find the match against Sindarov easy.