FIDE Candidates: Sindarov Maintains Lead as Vaishali Takes Command Javokhir Sindarov continues to dominate the FIDE Candidates tournament after Round 11, where all games concluded in draws. With three rounds remaining, the Uzbek grandmaster holds a two-point lead over his rivals, positioning him strongly for a potential victory and a shot at the world title. In the women’s section, Vaishali Rameshbabu surged ahead by securing a decisive win against Aleksandra Goryachkina, taking a full point advantage and asserting clear control over the competition. The eleventh round’s action unfolded at the Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort in Cyprus, with the key game featuring Fabiano Caruana and Sindarov. Caruana introduced an unconventional approach by playing 11.Be3 in the Catalan Opening, a move previously experimented with by Nihal Sarin. The Italian grandmaster admitted he had not prepared extensively for the last two games, relying on safe play until facing pressure and winning chances. “We know that Caruana’s preparation runs deep,” remarked commentator Jan Gustafsson during the live broadcast. Co-commentator Peter Svidler noted the move’s intent was to reach a novel position rather than immediately gain an advantage. Sindarov’s defense proved critical, as he returned the pawn at the precise moment, securing a draw that preserved his tournament prospects. Caruana acknowledged the Uzbek’s resilience, stating, “I tried to make an impact in the tournament, but he defended very well.” The other three games also ended in draws, though some players missed opportunities. Hikaru Nakamura and Wei Yi engaged in a solid encounter, with Nakamura opting for a threefold repetition early to avoid a prepared line, a decision he explained in his post-game interview.#cyprus #javokhir_sindarov #vaishali_rameshbabu #fide_candidates #cap_st_georges_hotel_resort
