Pragg: Gukesh favourite to beat Liren at World Championship

On current form, D Gukesh is the favourite to win the World Chess Championship title against his Chinese opponent, Ding Liren, believes Indian teenage Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa.

Gukesh, who at 17 became the youngest player to win the Candidates Tournament in April, has had a remarkable 2024, leading India to a historic gold medal at the 45th Chess Olympiad.

In contrast, Liren has struggled this year, failing to secure a single victory in the Classical format since January.

“Gukesh is definitely the favourite, considering his recent form. But the World Championship is a different tournament altogether. I’m sure Gukesh is preparing really well. We’ll see how the match goes,” said Praggnanandhhaa, who is here for the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz Tournament.