Geneva will host the World chess championship match between D. Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov from November 25 to December 15.

Chennai-based Gukesh had won the title by beating China’s Ding Liren in Singapore two years ago, while his Uzbek rival earned the right to be the challenger after winning the Candidates tournament. Both players are aged 20, making it the youngest World title match in history.

Viswanathan Anand, world chess governing body FIDE’s interim president, said several countries, including India, the United States, and Cyprus, had expressed interest to host the event.

“FIDE has decided to stage the match on neutral soil and bring it to Geneva, a city with a historic tradition of bringing nations and cultures together,” said the five-time World champion.

“We look forward to welcoming the global chess community to Switzerland. The local chess fans will have the opportunity to experience world-class chess in person, while fans around the globe can follow online as the duel for the highest title in chess unfolds.”

President of the Swiss Chess Federation Andre Voegtlin said it was a truly special day for Swiss chess. “Twenty-two years after Brissago (2004 World title match), an event of major global chess significance is returning to Switzerland. It’s a moment that fills us with joy and motivation.”

Though Gukesh has had to go through some tough times after becoming the youngest ever World champion, in sharp contrast to the rapid rise of Sindarov, it should be a fascinating match between the two young men.

Reigning world champion D Gukesh on Wednesday sent out a massive message to the chess buffs across the globe by beating his challenger for the world crown, Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan in the fifth round of the Super Rapid and Blitz, a part of the Grand Chess Tour, here.

Gukesh had earlier walked out of the main competition of the Grand Chess Tour, citing his form and to focus more on training ahead of his World Championship title defence.

Gukesh was, however, in full swing as he matched Sindarov move for move in a rapid encounter that was the first of the clash before the Uzbek meets the Indian ace in the World Championship match scheduled later this year.

Interestingly enough, Gukesh and Sindarov both lost their previous games coming into this round. Gukesh was outdone by Radoslav Wojtashek of Poland while Sindarov lost to tournament leader Wesley So of the United States.

Caro Kann defense was the choice of the world champion for this round and Sindarov chose something unconventional in the opening that guaranteed a dynamic position for Gukesh which he is very fond off.

The Indian then won a pawn which offered enough compensation for white and in his bid to look for more, Sindarov launched an attack that completely boomeranged.

The Uzbek Grandmaster had earlier dismissed claims that this was an important clash ahead of the World Championship match but his play was clearly defining that he was under some pressure.

As things progressed, Gukesh gobbled up another piece that Sindarov sacrificed and once the queens got traded, the result was never in doubt. Gukesh wrapped up the first win against his challenger in 52 moves.

Meanwhile, Wesley So continued to lead the field with eight points from his five games, having won three and drawn two. With each victory worth two points in the rapid games, Wesley is now trailed by compatriot Hans Moke Niemann who is having a great run on seven points.

Gukesh is on five points and is not too far behind with as many as four rapid and 18 blitz games remaining in the tournament that offers a dynamic format.