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Nodirbek stated Gukesh will lose his world chess title soon, sparking rivalry ahead of FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand, where Candidates 2026 spots are at stake.
Gukesh and Abdusattorov in action earlier this year (Credit: ChessBase India)
The chessboards are ready in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, but the drama has already begun off the board.
Local prodigy Nodirbek Abdusattorov raised eyebrows when he openly predicted that reigning world champion D Gukesh of India would not hold on to his crown much longer.
Asked to share an “unpopular chess opinion” in the lead-up to the tournament, the 20-year-old Abdusattorov did not mince words.
🔥 Nodirbek Abdusattorov shared his unpopular chess opinion… and it’s about Gukesh 👀Both stars are set to clash at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 — don’t miss it!Full interview 🔗 https://t.co/ZWghK2UHQY
♟️ FIDE Grand Swiss 2025📍 Samarkand 🇺🇿🗓 September 4–15📺 Live on… pic.twitter.com/Vpokhf2q0i
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 2, 2025
“Gukesh will lose his title in the next match. Is that controversial?” he said, with a smile, leaving reporters buzzing ahead of the competition.
Abdusattorov, the 2021 World Rapid Champion, enters the Grand Swiss as one of the hometown favorites.
The stakes are enormous: the winner and runner-up of the Grand Swiss will qualify directly for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, which determines who will face Gukesh in next year’s World Chess Championship match.
Gukesh Responds With a Cheeky Retort
Later in the day, at the official pre-tournament press conference, Gukesh offered a calm but witty response to Abdusattorov’s provocation.
“I mean, first of all, obviously, Nodirbek Abdusattorov is a great player and he’s very much capable,” Gukesh said. “But at this tournament, he can only qualify for the Candidates, so it’s one more step to become world champion.”
The 18-year-old Indian star emphasized that while Abdusattorov’s talent is undeniable, the path to the crown is long and demanding.
“Whoever it is, I’m sure deserves to be there and is very much capable of playing well. I am not really rooting for anybody—I just do my part as a researcher,” he added, making light of the brewing rivalry.
The Bigger Picture: Candidates 2026
The Grand Swiss 2025, running from September 4 to 15, is a crucial event in the World Championship cycle. Two of its top finishers will book their tickets to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, joining players who qualify via rating or other designated events.
So far, only Fabiano Caruana has secured his place in the eight-player Candidates field.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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