Ian Nepomniachtchi: First Win Will Be Crucial in World Chess Championship Match

Having competed in the World Chess Championship match twice, Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi understands the immense challenges of a long series of games. Looking ahead to this year's title match, the former World No. 2 considers the challenger, Javokhir Sindarov, to be the favorite, placing the odds at 65-35 in Sindarov's favor rather than an overwhelming 80-20. However, he emphasizes that the reigning champion, D. Gukesh, still has a fighting chance.

Nepomniachtchi points out that the initial phase of the match will be critical to its outcome. If Gukesh manages to win a game early on, or at least avoid defeat, it could boost his confidence and make the match unpredictable. Conversely, if Sindarov starts with a win, Nepomniachtchi warns that the momentum could easily snowball in the challenger's favor.

Currently playing for the Ganges Grandmasters in the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League (GCL), Nepomniachtchi expressed his delight at returning to the event after missing out in 2024 due to visa issues and skipping the tournament the previous year. He praised the GCL's fun format, noting that traditional classical chess can sometimes feel overly controlled and monotonous for both players and fans.

According to Nepomniachtchi, the GCL format introduces exciting imbalances, such as players not knowing their piece colors before the game and a point system that awards four points for a win with black pieces. He also appreciated the opportunity to play in front of an active audience, contrasting it with traditional chess events where elderly fans often fall asleep in the front rows.