'World Champion pressure is completely different': Pragg on Gukesh-Sindarov match

India's top-ranked chess player, R Praggnanandhaa, believes the upcoming World Chess Championship match between D Gukesh and Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov will be an interesting contest, with both grandmasters bringing different strengths into the battle. Pragg also highlighted the additional pressure that comes with defending the world title, saying it is something he cannot fully understand without experiencing it himself. Speaking to ChessBase India, Praggnanandhaa said he has known both 20-year-olds Gukesh and Sindarov since their early years in chess. He recalled playing against Sindarov for the first time in 2013 and facing Gukesh around the same period. He described the upcoming contest as a special occasion for their generation, as it will be the first World Championship match featuring two players from their age group. "I think it's going to be interesting," Pragg said, adding that he was looking forward to following the contest. He also acknowledged Sindarov's recent form but pointed out that Gukesh had produced some encouraging performances at the Olympiad and appeared confident.

Praggnanandhaa also spoke about the expectations surrounding the world champion, explaining that the responsibility of holding the biggest title in chess brings a different level of pressure. "The World Champion pressure is completely different and I cannot answer it in any way because I haven't experienced that," he said. He added that while pressure is part of every competitive player's journey, defending the world title comes with additional expectations and responsibilities. Discussing his own position as India's No. 1 player, Pragg said the ranking does not carry any extraordinary significance for him. He pointed out that the top spot has changed hands between himself, Arjun Erigaisi and Gukesh in recent months.

Meanwhile, reigning world champion Gukesh recenely visited Neem Karoli Baba's ashram on Wednesday ahead of his title defence against Sindarov. The championship will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 24 to December 11. Both players will be 20 years old when the match begins, making it the youngest World Championship contest in chess history. The format will feature a maximum of 14 classical games, with the first player to reach 7.5 points crowned champion. If the scores are tied at 7-7, a tiebreaker will be played on December 12. The championship also carries a total prize fund of $2.5 million, adding to the significance of the contest.