Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov to face Carlsen and other stars in Global Chess League

Uzbekistan's rising chess star Javokhir Sindarov is set to compete in the fourth season of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, a major franchise-based tournament scheduled for September 3-13 in Bengaluru, India. Sindarov, representing FYERS American Gambits, will make his debut on the coveted Icon board, reserved for team leaders, a first for his Global Chess League career.

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I enjoy playing against top chess players. I want to feel more comfortable in high-level tournaments before the World Championship match, and that’s why I’ve been playing so many events.

The league will feature a star-studded lineup, including world champions Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand, alongside other leading grandmasters like Alireza Firouzja and Ian Nepomniachtchi. This high-caliber competition is a crucial part of Sindarov's intensive preparation for a packed season, which includes the upcoming Chess Olympiad in Samarkand and his highly anticipated World Championship match against reigning champion Gukesh Dommaraju.

Sindarov, 20, has adopted a different preparation strategy compared to his World Championship opponent. While Gukesh Dommaraju has opted out of the Global Chess League and Grand Chess Tour, Sindarov is actively participating in major tournaments to gain experience against the world's elite. He recently noted in an interview that he only recently became a top-rated player and still seeks more experience playing consistently against the best.

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I became a top chess player only this year. I was a 2700-rated player, but that doesn’t really count as being a top player. But Gukesh has been a top-10 player for more than three years now, so he has a lot of experience playing against the best in the world.

"I enjoy playing against top chess players. I want to feel more comfortable in high-level tournaments before the World Championship match, and that’s why I’ve been playing so many events," Sindarov stated. His recent tournament schedule has been extensive, taking him across the globe. Following the Bengaluru event, Sindarov is expected to return to Uzbekistan for the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, further intensifying his preparation for the World Championship match, where he anticipates facing Gukesh Dommaraju at his absolute best.

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I've played a lot against him, and I know he can play incredibly well. If he’s in his top form, like we saw in 2024, anything can happen in the match. So I am preparing for his best form.