India, Nov. 13 -- Reigning world champion D Gukesh has found an unlikely source of inspiration ahead of his World Championship title defence: his challenger Javokhir Sindarov. The Indian world champion spoke of being struck by the 20-year-old Uzbek's ability to enjoy chess and have fun while competing at the highest level.

"One thing that I learned from Sindarov is that he seems to be so happy while playing chess, while doing a lot of fun stuff. I think that's inspiring for me also," Gukesh said during a conversation with Viswanathan Anand and ChessBase India's Sagar Shah. Gukesh will play Sindarov in the World Chess Championship match, starting November 24.

The 20-year-old Uzbek, a self-confessed Counter-Strike junkie, has never been s...