'Gukesh favourite in the World Championship match': Ding Liren

Ding Liren, the defending world champion, said his challenger for this year's World Championship D Gukesh would be the favourite for the title when they go head-to-head in Singapore in November as he has 'dropped a lot' since 2023.

Both Liren and Gukesh are currently representing China and India at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

The Indian men's team are currently at the top of the points table with five consecutive wins. Gukesh has been in phenomenal form, while his teammates R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi and Arjun Erigaise have also performed well to keep India on top.

"I can see my opponent (Gukesh) playing extremely well in this tournament. Maybe he is a favourite in the World Championship Match. He also has a higher rating than me," Liren said in an interaction with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in the tournament's mixed zone.

"I have dropped a lot since last year, but I will fight my best to try to overcome the rating difference," he added.

The 31-year-old Liren is the highest-rated chess player of all time and became the world champion in May last year after defeating Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Liren, however, could not retain his form as he took a break from the game due to his battle with depression.

He returned to the board earlier this year at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, finishing ninth in the event.

Gukesh, on the other hand, qualified for the World Championship by winning the Candidates tournament in April. He also became the youngest challenger to the world title at the age of 17. He turned 18 in May.

The World Championship will take place in Singapore from November 20 to December 15 for the coveted title and a prize fund of USD 2.50 million.

Should Gukesh prevail in the final, it would make him the first Indian since legendary Viswanathan Anand to claim the title. Anand won the crown five times in his illustrious career.

Unlike Liren, Gukesh has mostly evaded questions about his strategy.

Gukesh has been mostly guarded about his plans for the world championship and here too, when he was asked about the match against Liren, the Indian chose to keep his cards close to his chest.

"...this is an important tournament. I am looking forward to playing some good chess. My focus right now is Olympiad," he said.

Before the World Championship, there is a possibility that they will face each other as India and China could battle for the gold medal in the 11th round.