Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov secured the top position in the 2026 FIDE Candidates tournament in Cyprus with a round to spare. This victory ensures his qualification to challenge India’s Gukesh Dommaraju in the World Championship Final Match later this year. In the penultimate round, Sindarov drew with Anish Giri, accumulating 9.5 points, an insurmountable lead over his closest competitor.
India’s sole representative in the men’s section, R. Praggnanandhaa, had a disappointing performance, currently placed seventh as the tournament nears its end. Wei Yi emerged victorious against Andrey Esipenko in the recent round, while the remaining matches concluded in draws. Sindarov’s consistent performance throughout the tournament, including crucial wins against notable opponents, solidified his lead and paved the way for his eventual triumph.
Sindarov’s strategic approach in the final stages, opting for safe plays and draws against strong contenders, helped him maintain his advantage and secure the title without facing significant challenges. This victory grants Sindarov the opportunity to challenge Gukesh Dommaraju in the upcoming World Chess Championship, promising an exciting clash between the young talents.
In the women’s category, R Vaishali and A. Bibisara are currently tied for the top position with 7.5 points, closely pursued by China’s Zhu Jiner with 7 points. The final round will determine the ultimate winner among these contenders, setting the stage for an intense finish to the Candidates tournament.
