Ding Liren tips teenage challenger D Gukesh as favorite for FIDE World Chess Championship final

Defending champion Ding Liren has tipped his teenage challenger D Gukesh as the favorite to win the FIDE World Chess Championship final, set to take place in Singapore later this year. The two players are currently competing in the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

In an interaction with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Liren praised Gukesh’s performance in the tournament, stating, “I can see my opponent (Gukesh) playing extremely well in this tournament. Maybe he is a favorite in the World Championship Match. He also has a higher rating than me.” Liren, who is the highest-rated chess player of all time, acknowledged the challenge he faces against Gukesh, who recently won the Candidates tournament to become the youngest challenger to the world title at the age of 17.

Liren, 31, won the world crown last year after defeating Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi but took a break from the game due to his battle with depression. He returned to action earlier this year at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, finishing ninth in the event.

Meanwhile, Gukesh has been on a winning spree at the Olympiad in Budapest, defeating four strong grandmasters with an average rating of over 2600. The young chess prodigy seems determined to make a mark after facing heartbreak in Chennai two years ago.

The highly anticipated clash between Liren and Gukesh in Singapore from November 20 to December 15 promises to be a thrilling battle for the coveted title and a prize fund of USD 2.50 million. Chess enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting this showdown between the defending champion and the rising star of the game.