Fabiano Caruana Comments on D Gukesh’s Emotional Victory Over Sindarov: “These Games Won’t Matter in the Championship”
Fabiano Caruana Weighs in on D Gukesh’s Emotional Victory Over Sindarov Ahead of World Championship Clash
Warsaw, Poland – In a thrilling display of chess prowess, Indian prodigy D Gukesh Dommaraju celebrated an emotional victory over Javokhir Sindarov during the Grand Chess Tour: Super Rapid and Blitz Poland 2026. The match, which saw Gukesh triumph in the rapid section, has sparked discussions about the intensity of their upcoming World Chess Championship clash.
Gukesh, known for his typically calm demeanor, surprised fans with a rare fist pump after his win, showcasing a glimpse of the passion that fuels his competitive spirit. This emotional outburst comes at a time when Gukesh has faced challenges in his form, making the victory all the more significant.
Italian-American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, who is also preparing for the World Championship, commented on Gukesh’s celebration, acknowledging the mental preparation both players are undergoing. However, he emphasized that the outcomes of these rapid and blitz games will have little bearing on the championship match itself.
“I mean, Gukesh did a little celebration after he won the Rapid game. I understand that they are already in the mode, thinking about the match and their rivalry… but these few Rapid and Blitz games are not going to count once it comes to the match,” Caruana stated in an interview with ChessBase India.
While Gukesh secured the rapid win, Sindarov quickly retaliated by winning both blitz games in consecutive days, intensifying what is rapidly becoming one of the most anticipated rivalries in modern chess. The two young talents are set to face off in the youngest World Championship in history, with Sindarov having earned his title shot by winning the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament last month.
The highly-anticipated championship match is scheduled for November and December, potentially lasting up to 25 days. FIDE has already initiated the bidding process to finalize the host city, adding another layer of excitement to this monumental event.
As the chess world watches closely, the rivalry between Gukesh and Sindarov promises to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments in the months to come.