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Sindarov Wins 2026 Candidates, Sets Up World Title Clash With Gukesh

Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan has won the 2026 FIDE Candidates tournament with a round to spare, securing an unbeatable lead after a draw with Anish Giri. His consistent and mature play, including key wins, allowed him to clinch the title without major trouble. The victory earns him a match against reigning champion Gukesh Dommaraju of India later this year. In the women's section, the race remains tight heading into the final round.

Key Points: Sindarov Wins Candidates, to Face Gukesh for Chess Crown

  • Sindarov wins with round to spare
  • To challenge Gukesh for world title
  • Anish Giri finishes second
  • Praggnanandhaa has disappointing debut
  • Women's section remains wide open
2 min read

Sindarov wins 2026 Candidates with round to spare, to challenge Gukesh

Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov wins the 2026 Candidates tournament, earning a World Championship match against India's Gukesh Dommaraju.

"battle of the youngsters - Article"

Pegeia, April 14

Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov on Tuesday secured the top spot in the 2026 FIDE Candidates tournament with a round to spare, thus qualifying to challenge India's Gukesh Dommaraju in the World Championship Final Match later this year.

In the 13th and penultimate round played at Pegeia in Cyprus, Sindarov drew with Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri to take his tally to 9.5 points, an unbeatable lead over the next-placed opponent. Giri is placed second with 7.5 points, while American Fabiano Caruana and China's Wei Yi are following next with 6.5 points.

India's lone representative in the men's section, R. Praggnanandhaa, had a disappointing debut in the Candidates and is placed seventh going into the final round.

In other results in the round, only Wei Yi won against Andrey Esipenko, while the rest of the boards ended in draws.

Sindarov quietly built the momentum in the tournament with a consistent performance -- scoring important wins against India's R Praggnanandhaa, where he displayed an aggressive and fearless game. That win helped him extend his lead and set the tone for the rest of his campaign. Even when he faced a stiff challenge from Matthias Blübaum, he managed to hold on and keep his advantage.

In the final stages of the tournament, Sindarov showed maturity by playing safely. Instead of taking unnecessary risks, he settled for draws against strong players like Fabiano Caruana. A careful approach helped him maintain his lead and secure the title without any major trouble.

With this victory, Sindarov has earned the right to challenge Gukesh Dommaraju in the 2026 World Chess Championship. This match later this year is going to be a "battle of the youngsters".

In the women's section, the competition is much closer. R Vaishali and A. Bibisara are tied for the top spot with 7.5 points while China's Zhu Jiner (7 points) is in hot pursuit with all three having a chance of winning the Candidates. The results in the final final round will decide the winner.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Feeling a bit sad for Pragg. It was his first Candidates, the pressure is immense. He's so young, he will learn and come back stronger. The experience itself is priceless. Meanwhile, Vaishali is doing us proud in the women's section! Go girl!
R
Rohit P
Sindarov's strategy was brilliant. He knew when to attack and when to just hold the position. That win against Pragg was the turning point. Gukesh better be preparing hard, this Uzbek kid is fearless.
S
Sarah B
As a chess fan living in India, this is so exciting! The new generation is completely taking over. No more Carlsen, Anand, Caruana dominance. It's the era of Gukesh, Sindarov, Pragg, Firouzja... the future is here.
V
Vikram M
Respect to Sindarov, he was clearly the best player. But let's be honest, the article focuses a lot on him beating Pragg. Our media needs to support our players in tough times too, not just highlight their losses. Pragg will bounce back.
K
Kavya N
The women's section is so thrilling! Vaishali tied for the lead! 🙌 Come on, we need an Indian World Champion in both sections. The final round will be nail-biting. All the best to her!

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