Bedside Chess: Alireza Firouzja Plays from Hotel Room After Ankle Injury
Bedside Chess: Firouzja Staves Off Sindarov From Hotel Room After Ankle Injury
Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 12:38 IST
In a scene that could only be described as extraordinary, French-Iranian chess prodigy Alireza Firouzja took to a hotel bed to face off against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov during the fifth round of the Superbet Chess Classic Romania. This unconventional setup was necessitated by an ankle injury Firouzja sustained earlier in the tournament, forcing him to adapt in a way that has never been seen in elite chess.
The match unfolded in a specially arranged hotel room in Bucharest, deviating from the traditional playing hall at the Museum of the National Bank of Romania. Firouzja, unable to stand for long periods, was seen comfortably stretched out on a bed, clad in casual lounge attire, while Sindarov sat beside him, chessboard positioned between them. The unusual scene quickly captured the attention of chess enthusiasts worldwide, with photos and videos of the match going viral on social media.
Firouzja’s injury occurred after his third-round loss to Anish Giri, which left him unable to compete in the following round against world No. 3 Fabiano Caruana. Fortunately, medical scans revealed no fractures, but the injury was serious enough to warrant special arrangements. After discussions with tournament organizers and his opponents, it was agreed that Firouzja could continue playing from his hotel room, provided an arbiter was present to oversee the match.
Sindarov, demonstrating sportsmanship, accepted the unique conditions, and the two players engaged in a gripping 58-move battle that ultimately ended in a draw. The match not only highlighted the resilience of Firouzja but also showcased the adaptability of the chess community in accommodating unforeseen circumstances.
As the Grand Chess Tour continues, this remarkable episode serves as a reminder that the spirit of competition can thrive even in the most unconventional settings. Chess fans around the globe are left wondering: what will happen next in this unpredictable tournament?