Cyprus: Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov has delivered a commanding performance to win the Candidates Tournament, sealing victory with a round to spare after drawing with Dutch rival Anish Giri.
The 20-year-old remained unbeaten throughout the tournament in Cyprus, registering six wins and seven draws to reach 9.5 points, two clear of Giri, who finished second on 7.5. Sindarov’s dominant run marks one of the most convincing performances in the event’s history and secures him a place in the upcoming World Championship match against India’s Gukesh Dommaraju.
Sindarov’s triumph was effectively confirmed after Giri missed a crucial opportunity in the previous round, failing to convert a winning position against China’s Wei Yi. The result left the Uzbek prodigy in an unassailable lead heading into the final round.
The final task for 🇺🇿 Javokhir Sindarov: helping 🇰🇿 Bibisara Assaubayeva prepare for the final round of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament ♟🔥#FIDECandidates #FIDEWomensCandidates #FIDE #Chess pic.twitter.com/lmmj2udRGJ
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) April 14, 2026
Sindarov remarked that, “It was the hardest week in my life. I even slept really bad the last few days. I am very happy to finish this tournament with a win.” The tournament had been widely viewed as a potential final push for the experienced generation, but top American contenders Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura failed to mount a serious challenge, highlighting a shifting landscape in elite chess dominated increasingly by younger players.
Sindarov now turns his attention to a high-stakes World Championship showdown against reigning champion Gukesh, who claimed the crown in 2024 by defeating China’s Ding Liren in a dramatic final game. Ding himself had earlier secured the title by overcoming Ian Nepomniachtchi, following the decision of five-time champion Magnus Carlsen to step away from the classical world championship cycle.
Sindarov added that, “I do not want to think a lot about the upcoming World Championship match right now. I know it will be a very hard match. Gukesh has experience at this level, but I have a very good team. I have a lot to work on, and I will take my chances.”
Sindarov’s breakthrough victory, alongside the rise of a new generation of talent, is expected to reignite debate over a potential return by Carlsen. However, the Norwegian has repeatedly stated he has no intention of re-entering the classical title cycle. The date and venue for the World Championship match have yet to be announced.
MOST READ | Xi Jinping calls for stronger China–Russia coordination
