#javokhir_sindarov

FIDE Candidates 2026 Open Section: Sindarov Seals Title with a Round to Spare; Extends Unbeaten Run to 50 Games Javokhir Sindarov’s remarkable journey at the FIDE Candidates 2026 Open Section reached its conclusion on April 14, 2026, as he secured the title with a draw against Anish Giri in Round 13. The Uzbek grandmaster, who had already extended his unbeaten streak to 50 games, clinched the tournament with a two-point lead, leaving Giri unable to close the gap. The result ensured Sindarov a place in the FIDE World Championship match against D. Gukesh later in the year. Heading into the final round, Sindarov held a two-point advantage over Giri, who needed a decisive victory to force the title race into the final day. However, the draw in Round 13 proved sufficient for Sindarov to claim the title, as the gap could not be bridged in the remaining games. The match against Giri, which began with 1. e4 by the Dutch player, saw Sindarov adopt a solid positional approach. By move 15, the game had transitioned into a queenless middlegame, a scenario that favored Sindarov’s risk-averse strategy. Giri attempted to exert pressure along the d-file, but Sindarov’s resolute defense, marked by moves such as Be6 and Re6, neutralized White’s initiatives. The game eventually reached a rook and bishop endgame, where neither side could find a decisive advantage. After repeated moves, the players agreed to a draw by threefold repetition, a decision that solidified Sindarov’s position as the tournament winner. Sindarov’s achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, as he becomes the first player to remain unbeaten throughout the entire Candidates tournament.#d_gukesh #javokhir_sindarov #anish_giri #fide_candidates_2026_open_section #fide_world_championship

FIDE Candidates: Sindarov Nears Victory as All Games End in Draws; Zhu Jiner and Vaishali Share Lead Javokhir Sindarov took a cautious approach in his game against Hikaru Nakamura, securing a draw that brought him one step closer to winning the Candidates tournament and earning the right to challenge Gukesh for the title. With two rounds remaining, Sindarov’s strategic decision to prioritize a swift draw over aggressive play highlighted his focus on preparing for the upcoming clash against Anish Giri. The rest of the games in the round also ended in draws, though Anish Giri nearly defeated Wei Yi, missing a critical opportunity to close the gap in the standings. In the women’s section, Zhu Jiner made a strong statement by defeating Vaishali Rameshbabu with the black pieces in a complex game, joining Vaishali in the lead. Bibisara Assaubayeva also secured a crucial victory over Kateryna Lagno, narrowing the gap between her and the leaders, while Anna Muzychuk missed a significant chance to join the top group after a missed tactical opportunity in her game against Aleksandra Goryachkina. With just two rounds left, the tournament remains highly competitive. The round began with a ceremonial first move performed by Manish, the High Commissioner of India, who opened the game for Vaishali. Before the round, attention centered on Sindarov’s pairing with Nakamura. Commentator Peter Svidler noted that Sindarov’s decision to draw was a calculated move to rest and prepare for his next challenge. Both players later explained their approach in the media center. Sindarov emphasized his need for a quick draw to recover from a critical game the previous day, stating, “I was aiming for forcing draw lines; a fast draw is ideal for my situation.#hikaru_nakamura #javokhir_sindarov #zhu_jiner #anish_giri #vaishali_rameshbabu

Javokhir Sindarov: Candidates Chess: Sindarov one draw away from glory; Gukesh clash looms Javokhir Sindarov, the Uzbek grandmaster, is on the brink of securing a place in the World Chess Championship final after a series of critical results in the Candidates Tournament. With just one draw needed to clinch the top spot, Sindarov faces a pivotal showdown against his closest rival, Anish Gukesh, in the 13th round. The match, which will see Sindarov defending with his black pieces, carries immense weight as it could determine the next world champion. Earlier in the tournament, Sindarov demonstrated his resilience by securing a rapid draw against Hikaru Nakamura in the 12th round, a game that unfolded swiftly with both players exchanging queens and rooks within 33 moves. The game concluded in a balanced position, with Sindarov’s strategic precision ensuring a draw despite the high stakes. The 14th round promises another test, as Sindarov will play with the white pieces against Chinese grandmaster Wei Yi. This pairing adds intrigue to the tournament, as both players have shown consistency in their performances. Meanwhile, the women’s group has also seen dramatic developments. Tournament leader Vaishali Rameshbabu suffered a setback in the 12th round, losing a 39-move game to Zhu Jiner of China. Zhu’s Caro-Kann Defense exploited early inaccuracies from Vaishali, leading to a decisive advantage. Despite the loss, Vaishali remains in contention, sharing the lead with Zhu at 7 points each after a 71-move draw between Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk and Aleksandra Goryachkina. The women’s group now features a two-way tie at the top, with both Vaishali and Zhu vying for the final berth in the Women’s World Championship. Sindarov’s path to glory has been marked by calculated risks and tactical mastery.#hikaru_nakamura #javokhir_sindarov #wei_yi #vaishali_rameshbabu #anish_gukesh

Candidates Chess: Sindarov Outclasses Praggnanandhaa; Vaishali Takes Sole Lead Javokhir Sindarov delivered a decisive performance against R Praggnanandhaa in the 10th round of the Candidates Chess tournament in Cyprus, capitalizing on the Indian’s critical oversight to secure a significant advantage. The Uzbek player, who had previously missed a winning sequence against Matthias Blubaum of Germany, demonstrated precision and composure in his match against Praggnanandhaa. The turning point came on the 22nd move when Praggnanandhaa played a bishop move that overlooked the imminent threat of Rf7 from Sindarov. This miscalculation allowed Sindarov to seize control of the game, ultimately leading to a position where he held a queen and five pawns against two rooks and two pawns. Experts noted the perplexity of Praggnanandhaa’s delay in playing his 18th move (Qe7), which further complicated his position. Sindarov’s victory marked a pivotal moment in the tournament, as it shifted the momentum in his favor. His good friend Bibisara Assaubayeva, a prominent player in the women’s section, observed the game and later contributed to Vaishali’s rise to the top of the standings. Assaubayeva’s win against joint leader Zhu Jiner of China helped Vaishali claim sole leadership in the women’s category. Vaishali, who had previously struggled under pressure, capitalized on her opportunities, while Praggnanandhaa’s missteps left him trailing in the overall standings. The tournament’s top three players, with four rounds remaining, included Sindarov at 8 points, Anish Giri at 6, and Fabiano Caruana at 5 in the open category. In the women’s section, Vaishali led with 6 points, while Zhu Jiner and Natalia Muzychuk shared 5.5 points.#cyprus #r_praggnanandhaa #javokhir_sindarov #bibisara_assaubayeva #vaishali

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

R Praggnanandhaa Suffers 3rd Defeat Of Candidates; R Vaishali Jumps To Sole Lead Among Women The tenth round of the Candidates chess tournament concluded with Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov extending his lead to two points after defeating India’s R Praggnanandhaa. Sindarov, who had already secured six victories in the tournament, added his second win over Praggnanandhaa, raising his total to eight points. The Indian player, who had previously lost to Sindarov in rounds five and eight, now trails with four points, effectively eliminating him from contention for the title. Anish Giri of the Netherlands remains the sole competitor within striking distance, sitting on six points. Sindarov’s victory was marked by his meticulous preparation and tactical precision. The Uzbek player sacrificed a piece early in the game, creating complex positions that Praggnanandhaa failed to navigate. The Indian’s queen was captured for two rooks and several pawns, leading to a decisive loss. Sindarov’s subsequent play was described as flawless, solidifying his position at the top of the standings. In other results from the round, Fabiano Caruana of the United States drew with Wei Yi of China, while Hikaru Nakamura of the United States and Anish Giri of the Netherlands shared a draw. Andrey Esipenko of Russia and Matthias Bluebaum of Germany also settled for a draw, keeping their points totals at 3.5 and 4.5 respectively. These outcomes maintained the competitive balance in the men’s section, though Sindarov’s dominance remains a defining factor. Meanwhile, in the women’s Candidates tournament, R Vaishali of India surged to the sole lead after drawing with Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine. Vaishali’s six points placed her ahead of Muzychuk and Jiner Zhu of China, who both scored 5.5 points.#fabiano_caruana #r_praggnanandhaa #javokhir_sindarov #anish_giri #wei_yi

FIDE Candidates: Sindarov Stumbles, Giri Strikes as Race Tightens The FIDE Candidates tournament saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Javokhir Sindarov missed a critical opportunity to extend his lead, allowing Anish Giri to narrow the gap after a decisive victory over Fabiano Caruana. With five rounds remaining, Sindarov still holds a 1.5-point advantage over the field, but the results of the day have intensified the competition. Meanwhile, the Women’s Candidates tournament also saw key developments as Vaishali and Zhu Jiner surged ahead, while Anna Muzychuk’s missteps left her trailing the leaders. The afternoon’s action began with a symbolic opening move by Paris Klerides, the Cyprus Chess Federation’s General Secretary and FIDE Delegate, who played 1.e4 on behalf of Matthias Bluebaum. However, Bluebaum himself opted for 1.d4, initiating a rare and uncharted line against Sindarov’s Harrwitz Attack in the Queen’s Gambit Declined. Commentator Jan Gustafsson noted the unusual move order, speculating that neither player had encountered it before. The game quickly escalated into a complex position with opposite-side castling, leaving both players without established theoretical references. The critical moment arrived after White played 24.bxa4. Sindarov, who had a clear advantage, faced a pivotal decision. Instead of opting for 24…Qb7 or 24…Qa5 to maintain pressure, he chose 24…Bxa4?, exchanging queens and easing the tension. In his post-game press conference, Sindarov admitted the miscalculation: “I had a big advantage, but I missed his resource 29.f5 in the endgame. I thought I was winning a pawn, but I should have kept the queens on the board; I would have had a very strong attack.#fabiano_caruana #javokhir_sindarov #zhu_jiner #anish_giri #vaishali

Candidates Chess: Sindarov Leads Charge, Muzychuk Dominates Women's Tournament Javokhir Sindarov, the 20-year-old Uzbekistan prodigy who claimed the World Cup title earlier this year, is now positioned to make history in the Candidates Chess tournament in Cyprus. With five wins, two draws, and six points from seven games, the youngest-ever Candidate has already secured the best score at the halfway mark of the event since the eight-player double round-robin format was introduced in 2013. Sindarov’s commanding performance has positioned him just four wins and three draws away from clinching the title, setting the stage for a potential repeat of his World Cup triumph. The tournament, held in Cyprus, has become a battleground for the world’s top chess talents, with Sindarov’s dominance standing out. His early lead has drawn attention from analysts and fans alike, who are closely monitoring his progress. The Uzbek’s ability to maintain such a high score in a fiercely competitive field underscores his potential to challenge the reigning world champion. However, the path to victory remains fraught with challenges, as the double round-robin format ensures every match carries significant weight. Meanwhile, the women’s Candidates tournament has also seen a dramatic shift in momentum. Anna Muzychuk, the 36-year-old Ukrainian grandmaster, has emerged as the leader after securing a spot in the competition just a week before its start. Her qualification came following the withdrawal of India’s top-ranked player, Humpy Koneru, which opened the door for Muzychuk to step into the spotlight. The highest-ranked Ukrainian GM has started the tournament with a perfect record, remaining undefeated and maintaining a half-point advantage over her rivals. Muzychuk’s ascent has been marked by her resilience and tactical precision.#cyprus #humpy_koneru #anna_muzychuk #javokhir_sindarov #candidates_chess

Javokhir Sindarov Dominates Candidates Tournament with Record-Setting Victory Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan secured a decisive victory in the Candidates tournament in Cyprus, defeating Hikaru Nakamura after a grueling 67 minutes and 44 seconds of analysis by the American grandmaster. The win came just two days after Sindarov had stunned the chess world by defeating top favorite Fabiano Caruana, marking a pivotal moment in the competition. Sindarov, a 20-year-old prodigy, employed the triangular Marshall system—a strategy he had meticulously prepared during his rest day. He explained to FIDE that he had dedicated significant time to studying the Marshall line against Nakamura, anticipating the American’s potential moves. “Yesterday I had a lot of time to prepare Marshall line against him… He probably forgot the move after knight g3 castle,” Sindarov remarked, highlighting his confidence in his preparation. The game unfolded as Nakamura attempted to lure Sindarov into a Gambit, a tactic the Uzbek player had already anticipated. “I tried to not miss small tactics and checked everything with black so I had time,” Sindarov said, emphasizing his thoroughness. When Nakamura opted for d4 instead of the expected Italian or Lopez openings, Sindarov remained unfazed. “I was prepared for it,” he added, underscoring his strategic readiness. Nakamura’s prolonged hesitation became a defining moment of the game. After over an hour of deliberation, the American settled on h4, a move that Sindarov described as suboptimal. “I thought knight d4 was the only move giving advantage,” Sindarov said, surprised by Nakamura’s choice. “I was already better, plus I had one hour extra,” he noted, reflecting on his positional advantage.#fide #candidates_tournament #fabiano_caruana #hikaru_nakamura #javokhir_sindarov

Candidates: Javokhir Sindarov Continues to Surge Ahead Javokhir Sindarov, the 20-year-old Uzbek chess prodigy, maintained his dominant position in the Candidates tournament after securing his fourth consecutive win on Friday. The eight-player, 14-round event saw Sindarov leap to 4.5 points following five rounds, solidifying his lead over the competition. His victory over Hikaru Nakamura, the American grandmaster, marked a pivotal moment in the tournament, as Nakamura’s defeat not only cost him a potential upset but also diminished the chances of other top contenders like R Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri. Nakamura, who entered the tournament with a reputation for disrupting rival strategies, faced a challenging match against Sindarov. Despite Nakamura’s efforts to secure a speculative advantage, Sindarov’s consistent play and tactical precision proved too much. The loss left Nakamura in a precarious position, as his defeat meant that the half points earned by Praggnanandhaa and Giri in the same round against Andrey Esipenki and Wei Yi respectively became less impactful. Both Praggnanandhaa and Giri now trail Sindarov by two full points, requiring four more decisive wins in the remaining rounds to remain in contention. Sindarov’s performance was further highlighted by his comments during a Chess24 webcast, where he emphasized his disciplined approach to the game. “I’m always playing solid. With white, I am playing for two results (win or draw); with black I don’t want to push (stretch things). I’m in a very good situation right now,” he said, underscoring his confidence in maintaining his lead. The tournament’s first half is still in progress, but Sindarov’s strong start has positioned him as the clear favorite to advance to the next stage.#hikaru_nakamura #praggnanandhaa #javokhir_sindarov #anish_giri #andrey_esipenki

FIDE Candidates Tournament: Praggnanandhaa Draws with Esipenko as Sindarov Extends Lead; Vaishali Suffers Defeat In the latest round of the FIDE Candidates 2026 Open tournament, Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa faced a setback as he drew with Andrey Esipenko, failing to close the gap on the leader, Javokhir Sindarov. The Uzbek player solidified his position at the top of the standings after securing a decisive victory over Hikaru Nakamura. Meanwhile, Fabiano Caruana remained in contention with a win against Matthias Blübaum, though he still trails Sindarov by a single point. The results of Round 5 marked a pivotal moment in the competition, reshaping the race for the final spots in the World Championship. Praggnanandhaa’s draw with Esipenko, a player who had struggled to accumulate points in the early stages of the tournament, highlighted the challenges faced by the Indian grandmaster. Despite Esipenko’s limited score of 1.5 points in four games, the match proved to be a closely contested affair. Praggnanandhaa, playing with the white pieces, never found a decisive advantage, while Esipenko’s solid play with the English defense led to a drawn outcome after 41 moves. This result left Praggnanandhaa with 2.5 points in five rounds, two points behind Sindarov, who now leads the standings with 4.5 points. Sindarov’s victory over Nakamura further widened his lead, as the American player fell to 1.5 points after losing his match. The Uzbek’s dominance in the tournament has positioned him as the clear favorite for the title, though Caruana’s 3.5 points and Nakamura’s 1.5 points keep the competition tight. Caruana’s win against Blübaum, a player who had previously held a strong position, ensured he remains within striking distance of Sindarov.#r_praggnanandhaa #hikaru_nakamura #javokhir_sindarov #fide_candidates_tournament #andrey_esipenko

R Praggnanandhaa Draws, Divya Deshmukh Suffers Defeat In Candidates Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured a draw against German player Matthias Bluebaum in the fourth round of the open section of the FIDE Candidates Tournament on Wednesday. This result followed a previous loss to Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov in the third round, marking a setback in Praggnanandhaa’s campaign. The draw came after Praggnanandhaa had opened his tournament with a victory over Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri. Meanwhile, in the women’s event, Divya Deshmukh of India suffered a defeat against Chinese player Zhu Jiner, while Indian player R Vaishali drew with Russian Grandmaster Aleksandra Goryachkina. Javokhir Sindarov, who had already claimed two wins in the tournament, extended his dominance by defeating American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana with a strong opening strategy. This victory brought Sindarov closer to securing the FIDE Candidates title. In the women’s section, Zhu Jiner and Ukrainian player Anna Muzychuk regained momentum with key victories, with Muzychuk now sharing the lead in the standings with Kazakhstani player Bibisara Assaubayeva. The tournament’s open section saw Praggnanandhaa’s early promise tempered by Sindarov’s aggressive play, which left the Indian player with a challenging path to the final. Praggnanandhaa’s draw against Bluebaum, however, ensured he remained in contention for a top-four finish. The women’s event also highlighted the competitiveness of the field, with multiple players vying for the final spots. The results underscored the high level of play in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, where both men’s and women’s sections featured intense matches and strategic depth.#divya_deshmukh #r_praggnanandhaa #javokhir_sindarov #zhu_jiner #fide_candidates_tournament

Candidates Chess: Rivals Hope Sindarov Fumbles in the Jungle Javokhir Sindarov, the 20-year-old World Cup winner, leads the Candidates chess tournament in Paphos, Cyprus, with three decisive victories under his belt. His rivals, including Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri, are determined to prevent him from securing a spot in the World Championship. Nakamura, who missed a critical defensive move against Fabiano Caruana in the first round, admitted his disappointment on his streaming channel. “Not finding Kc7 was a shame and unacceptable from my side,” he said, reflecting on the missed opportunity. Later, he failed to capitalize on a chance against Wei Yi, calling the outcome “the cookie simply hasn’t crumbled in my favour.” Giri, who initially lost to R Praggnanandhaa in the Sicilian Closed variation—a tactic he had previously tutored—turned the tide by defeating Andrey Esipenko in the Sicilian Najdorf. When asked about balancing secrecy and monetizing his expertise, Giri remarked, “It is very easy. I sell my secrets. Everything has a price. Sometimes, you sacrifice dignity for money.” His performance in the fourth round showcased his adaptability, though his earlier loss to Praggnanandhaa highlighted the challenges of the tournament. Sindarov, the youngest participant in the event, maintains a comfortable lead with 3.5 points, supported by his second, GM Mukhiddin Madaminov, and other remote assistants. While he has not disclosed their identities, his friendship with Bibisara Assaubayeva, a three-time Women’s World Blitz champion, is well known. Assaubayeva, competing in the women’s section, has been a consistent presence in the tournament. Sindarov’s confidence stems from his early successes, though he acknowledged the need for caution.#hikaru_nakamura #paphos_cyprus #javokhir_sindarov #anish_giri #bibisara_assaubayeva

FIDE Candidates 2026: Praggnanandhaa Draws, Sindarov Takes Lead, Divya Suffers Defeat R Praggnanandhaa maintained his position in the FIDE Candidates 2026 tournament after securing a draw against Matthias Blübaum in the fourth round. The Indian grandmaster, who had previously lost to Javokhir Sindarov in the third round, opted for the Slav Defence in his fourth game, a choice that minimized pressure on his side. The game progressed without significant complications, resulting in a draw after 37 moves through a three-fold repetition. Both Praggnanandhaa and Blübaum now share 2 points, having drawn all four of their games so far. Anish Giri also joined them on 2 points after his win against Andrey Esipenko. Despite the draw, Praggnanandhaa’s standing in the tournament has worsened compared to the end of Round 3. With 2 points in four rounds, he trails Javokhir Sindarov, who has surged to the top of the standings. Sindarov’s victory over Fabiano Caruana in the fourth round gave him 3.5 points, a full point ahead of Caruana, who now sits second with 2.5 points. The Uzbek player’s dominance has positioned him as the clear leader, with his recent wins against Esipenko, Praggnanandhaa, and Caruana solidifying his lead. The remaining ten rounds will be critical for the other contenders to challenge Sindarov’s position. The Open section’s Round 4 results highlighted several key developments. Sindarov’s win over Caruana extended his lead, while Wei Yi and Hikaru Nakamura drew their game, keeping Nakamura at 1.5 points. Esipenko’s loss to Giri left him at 1 point, while Blübaum and Praggnanandhaa remained tied at 2 points. The standings after Round 4 showed Sindarov at the top, followed by Caruana, Praggnanandhaa, and Blübaum.#divya_deshmukh #fide_candidates_2026 #praggnanandhaa #javokhir_sindarov #zhu_jiner