Carlsen: Gukesh has everything to gain vs Sindarov

Magnus Carlsen has shared his perspective on the upcoming World Chess Championship match between India's D Gukesh and Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov. Carlsen, the former World Champion, views Sindarov as the current favorite but encourages Gukesh to approach the title defense as a chance to "have everything to gain" rather than a burden.

Carlsen noted that Gukesh has the potential to play at an extremely high level, and the challenge lies in reclaiming that form. He highlighted the psychological nature of chess, suggesting that Gukesh could build confidence by taking the initiative early in the match, which would put Sindarov on the back foot.

Shifting to his personal career, Carlsen expressed a strong preference for rapid chess over classical formats. He mentioned that this inclination was further solidified after becoming a father, making a return to classical World Championship play unlikely for him. Carlsen also commented on the positive evolution of the current chess generation, particularly their success in faster time controls.