'Gukesh Has Obvious Weaknesses': Magnus Carlsen Backs Javokhir Sindarov To Sink World Champion

Last Updated:April 20, 2026, 09:21 IST

Sindarov’s record-breaking Candidates win has Carlsen and Kasparov backing him to beat Gukesh in a historic World Championship showdown later this year.

The chess world loves a prodigy. But every now and then, one arrives with numbers that force even legends to take notice.

Right now, that player is Javokhir Sindarov.

Fresh off a historic 2026 Candidates Tournament win, the 20-year-old Uzbek has announced himself unapologetically loud and clear.

A Candidates Campaign for the Ages

Sindarov sealed the title with a composed draw against Wei Yi, finishing on 10/14, the highest points tally ever recorded in a Candidates since the modern eight-player double round-robin format was introduced in 2013.

That puts him ahead of past benchmarks set by the likes of D Gukesh, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and even Magnus Carlsen.

The reward? A World Championship clash later this year against Gukesh himself.

Carlsen and Kasparov Weigh In

When both Carlsen and Garry Kasparov lean the same way, it’s worth paying attention.

Carlsen, speaking at a chess event in Stockholm, didn’t hedge much.

“At the moment it’s impossible not to say Sindarov… we know anything can happen in a World Championship match," the former World Champion said.

“Gukesh has very obvious weaknesses… Sindarov does not. He is a lot more well-rounded."

Kasparov had earlier echoed a similar sentiment, calling Sindarov the “clear favorite" based on form, while still acknowledging the unique pressure of a 14-game title match.

The Gukesh Factor

Of course, writing off Gukesh would be premature. The reigning champion claimed the crown in 2024 by defeating Ding Liren, stepping into a vacuum left by Carlsen’s exit from the classical format.

“Gukesh is very mentally stable… able to defend any position and find resources even in the worst situations," Kasparov stated.

A Generational Clash

Sindarov will face Gukesh later this year in what promises to be a generational clash, with both players just 20 years old.

It will be the youngest World Championship match in history.

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