D Gukesh vs Ding Liren: Many Grandmasters feel World Chess Championship won’t last 14 games, says Wesley So

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhhaa is confident his teammate, fellow compatriot and chess sensation D Gukesh will win the upcoming World Chess Championship against China’s Ding Liren. Filipino-American GM Wesley So also has the same feeling. Gukesh, 18, takes on current world champion Liren in a 14-game World Chess Championship from 25 November to 13 December in Singapore.

Gukesh, who became the youngest to win FIDE Candidates at 17 earlier this year and also led the Indian team to their first-ever gold medal at the 45th Olympiad, is seen as a favourite going into the World Chess Championship as against Liren who has not won a classical match since January 2024.

D Gukesh |  Indian teenage prodigy from Chennai set for World Chess Championship clash with Ding Liren

“Gukesh is definitely the favourite, considering his recent form. But the World Championship is a different tournament altogether. I’m sure Gukesh is preparing really well. We’ll see how the match goes,” Praggnanandhhaa said.

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Chess GMs are ‘rooting for Gukesh’

Wesley So revealed that a lot of chess Grandmasters feel the World Chess Championship will not last 14 rounds.

“I’m looking forward to it. World Championship matches are some of my favourite events to watch in any sport. One of the best was the 2018 Magnus vs. Fabiano match; I watched till 3 in the morning. It was an explosion of ideas. It’s going to be interesting,” Wesley said.

“I know 99.9 per cent of the people are rooting for Gukesh because we’re in India, and I’m also rooting for Gukesh. I talked to many GMs, and they think it won’t last 14 games. We’ll see what happens.”

Also Read | Gukesh on World Chess Championship: 'I don't believe in predictions'

The first player to reach 7.5 points will win the World Chess Championship. If the scores are tied after 14 matches then a tiebreaker will be played to decide the next world champion.

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Praggnanandhhaa and Wesley So are currently in Kolkata for the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz Tournament. Praggnanandhhaa will be facing world No.1 Magnus Carlsen on the first day of the tournament (13 November).

Also Read | Magnus Carlsen: Gukesh ‘significant favourite’ against Ding Liren

“It would be quite exciting to open with Magnus. I’m hoping to give my best and see what happens,” Praggnanandhaa said. “For sure, everyone is excited to play Magnus. It’s also good for the tournament. He is the best player. It’s really exciting for all players.”