Nodirbek Abdusattorov holds positive recollections of Chennai after leading Uzbekistan to gold at the 2022 Chess Olympiad near Mamallapuram by defeating D. Gukesh on the top board. The 21-year-old Uzbek is returning to the city for the Chennai Grand Masters and expressed satisfaction about the visit. He noted he anticipates facing the world champion but is not concentrating solely on that encounter. The former world rapid champion observed that the short event features a young field where surprises remain possible in any round. Abdusattorov has received less attention lately as compatriot Javokhir Sindarov captured last year’s World Cup in Goa and later won the Candidates tournament to earn a title match against Gukesh. Abdusattorov confirmed he will join Sindarov’s preparation team for the championship, having already spent a week in his training camp before the Candidates. He described Sindarov as a close friend and pledged full support. The two Uzbek players maintain an uncommon friendship despite being rivals, which may aid Uzbekistan’s bid for Olympic gold in Samarkand.
