![\"\u2018Gukesh](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130384364,imgsize-89010,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/world-chess-championship.jpg\" "\\"D")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen<\/a> has made his stance clear ahead of the upcoming World Chess Championship, backing Javokhir Sindarov to defeat reigning champion D Gukesh in what promises to be a historic showdown later this year.Speaking at a chess event in Stockholm, Carlsen did not shy away from naming his favourite, even while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of a title match. \u201cAt the moment it\u2019s impossible not to say Sindarov\u2026 we know anything can happen in a World Championship match,\u201d he said.The Norwegian great went further in his assessment, pointing out a contrast in the two young stars\u2019 games. \u201cGukesh has very obvious weaknesses\u2026 Sindarov does not. He is a lot more well-rounded,\u201d Carlsen added, firmly tilting the narrative in favour of the Uzbek prodigy.ALSO READ:<\/span> The making of India\u2019s 95th GM: Aronyak Ghosh, from chasing next tournament\u2019s fee to parents\u2019 relief<\/a> Sindarov\u2019s historic rise turns heads<\/span>Sindarov\u2019s rapid ascent has forced even the biggest names in chess to take notice. The 20-year-old arrives at the World Championship on the back of a stunning victory at the Candidates Tournament, where he dominated the field and finished unbeaten.His tally of 10\/14 was the highest in the modern Candidates format, surpassing benchmarks set by elite names, including Carlsen himself. The composed draw against Wei Yi sealed a campaign that many are already calling one of the greatest in the tournament\u2019s history.Carlsen is not alone in his view. Former world champion Garry Kasparov<\/a> has also leaned towards Sindarov, calling him the \u201cclear favourite\u201d based on current form, though he cautioned about the unique pressure of a 14-game title match. Gukesh\u2019s resilience still a factor<\/span>Despite the growing chorus backing Sindarov, writing off Gukesh would be premature. The Indian teenager, who claimed the crown in 2024, has built a reputation for resilience and mental toughness.Kasparov highlighted this strength, noting that Gukesh is \u201cvery mentally stable\u2026 able to defend any position and find resources even in the worst situations.\u201dThe clash between Sindarov and Gukesh will be a generational duel \u2014 both players just 20 \u2014 and the youngest World Championship match in history.<\/div>\n