Geneva to host Gukesh-Sindarov World chess championship match

Geneva will host the World chess championship match between D. Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov from November 25 to December 15.

Chennai-based Gukesh had won the title by beating China’s Ding Liren in Singapore two years ago, while his Uzbek rival earned the right to be the challenger after winning the Candidates tournament. Both players are aged 20, making it the youngest World title match in history.

Viswanathan Anand, world chess governing body FIDE’s interim president, said several countries, including India, the United States, and Cyprus, had expressed interest to host the event.

“FIDE has decided to stage the match on neutral soil and bring it to Geneva, a city with a historic tradition of bringing nations and cultures together,” said the five-time World champion.

“We look forward to welcoming the global chess community to Switzerland. The local chess fans will have the opportunity to experience world-class chess in person, while fans around the globe can follow online as the duel for the highest title in chess unfolds.”

President of the Swiss Chess Federation Andre Voegtlin said it was a truly special day for Swiss chess. “Twenty-two years after Brissago (2004 World title match), an event of major global chess significance is returning to Switzerland. It’s a moment that fills us with joy and motivation.”

Though Gukesh has had to go through some tough times after becoming the youngest ever World champion, in sharp contrast to the rapid rise of Sindarov, it should be a fascinating match between the two young men.