Defending World Chess Champion Ding Liren has labeled his Indian challenger, D. Gukesh, as the favorite to win their highly-anticipated World Chess Championship match in November. Liren acknowledged his drop in form over the past year and Gukesh's superior rating. Both players are currently competing in the 45th Chess Olympiad, where the Indian team—comprising Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, and Arjun Erigaise—has achieved five consecutive victories and is tied for the top spot with Liren's Chinese team and hosts Hungary. Liren, who took a break from chess due to depression after winning the world title in 2023, returned to action earlier this year. Gukesh, who became the youngest challenger to the world title at 17, will contend for the title from November 20 to December 15 in Singapore, with a prize fund of USD 2.50 million. If successful, Gukesh will be the first Indian to win the title since Viswanathan Anand.