Kasparov's remarks come after Sindarov's dominant performance at the FIDE Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, where the young grandmaster went unbeaten and established a commanding lead early in the competition.

Highlighting Sindarov's performance, Kasparov described it as exceptionally impressive, noting that it takes a lot to impress him at the highest level of chess.

'The way he won the Candidates was very impressive. His timing, the quality of his moves, his ability to withstand pressure and increase pressure on opponents — all of it was exceptional,' Kasparov said in an interaction with the St Louis Chess Club.

Sindarov's unbeaten run throughout the tournament has positioned him as a formidable challenger, with many experts now viewing him as a serious threat to Gukesh's title.

Despite favouring Sindarov's current form, Kasparov was quick to acknowledge Gukesh's strengths, particularly his mental toughness and defensive skills.

He noted that Gukesh possesses a rare ability to hold difficult positions and find resources even in adverse situations, making him a dangerous opponent in match play.

'A match is a match,' Kasparov said, emphasising that the World Championship format is vastly different from tournament play. He added that Gukesh's prior experience in high-pressure matches could prove crucial, especially since Sindarov will be playing his first major World Championship match.

The upcoming championship encounter is notable for featuring two of the youngest players at the highest level of the game. Gukesh, at 19, is already the world champion, while Sindarov, at 20, is emerging as a new force with a meteoric rise.

Kasparov compared their trajectories, pointing out that while Gukesh has already competed in several elite tournaments, Sindarov is relatively new to the top tier but is rapidly making his presence felt.

He added that Sindarov's aggressive and confident style could benefit further from exposure to elite competitions such as the Grand Chess Tour.

Kasparov also hinted at a larger narrative that could unfold depending on the outcome of the championship. He suggested that a victory for Sindarov might tempt Magnus Carlsen to return to the World Championship cycle.

Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, stepped away from defending his title in 2022 after winning the championship five times.

'The strongest chess player is still around,' Kasparov remarked, referring to Carlsen. He added that a potential clash between Sindarov and Carlsen would be an exciting prospect for the chess world.

The World Chess Championship match, expected to be played over 14 games, will test both players' endurance, preparation, and psychological strength. While shorter than some historic matches, the format still demands sustained focus and adaptability.

Kasparov noted that while Sindarov's current form gives him an edge, the match format introduces variables that could favour Gukesh, particularly his experience and composure under pressure.

Kasparov's endorsement of Sindarov has added intrigue to an already highly anticipated World Chess Championship clash. While the Uzbek challenger's recent performances have been outstanding, Gukesh's resilience and experience ensure that the contest remains evenly poised.

As the chess world looks ahead to the showdown, the match promises not only a battle for the title but also a glimpse into the future of the sport—potentially even setting the stage for a dramatic return by Magnus Carlsen.