India, June 5 -- D Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov are set to face each other at the upcoming World Chess Championships this year, where the Indian GM will be defending his title. Gukesh became the youngest-ever undisputed world champion in 2024, defeating Ding Liren. But since then, it's been a downward spiral for him, and he has been in poor form.

His poor form has been well-reflected at the ongoing 2026 Norway Chess. He lost to R Praggnanandhaa in their Round 9 game and is currently bottom of the standings with 1 win, 4 defeats, 4 draws, and 2 Armageddon victories.

Speaking to PTI, Sindarov said, "I feel he is a very smart player. I played him at Tata Steel chess; he's really very strong."

"I don't see any clear weakness in his game. F...