Round 5 Recap: Sindarov Shines in Open, Three-Way Tie in Women’s Candidates

Sindarov Shines in Round 5 of the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments

Cyprus – Round 5 of the 2026 FIDE Candidates and Women’s Candidates tournaments delivered a series of decisive results that solidified the standings without major upheavals. The spotlight remained firmly on 20-year-old Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov, who continues to impress with his stellar performance.

Open Section: Sindarov Extends Lead

In the Open section, Sindarov maintained his commanding position with a remarkable score of 4½ out of 5 after defeating tournament favorite GM Hikaru Nakamura. The match, anticipated as a pivotal clash, saw Sindarov rise to the occasion, demonstrating confidence and tactical prowess.

Nakamura, playing White, opted for an aggressive gambit, but after a lengthy 67-minute think, his bold continuation faltered. Sindarov expertly neutralized Nakamura’s initiative, transitioning into a winning endgame that left Nakamura resigned and down three pawns.

“This is Sindarov’s first Candidates tournament, and he’s showing remarkable composure and preparation,” noted a tournament analyst. His consistent performance has not only kept him in clear first but also set the pace for the entire field.

Meanwhile, GM Fabiano Caruana bounced back from a previous loss, securing a crucial victory against GM Matthias Bluebaum. Caruana’s strategic sideline against the Petroff Defense paid off, allowing him to dominate the game and maintain his position as Sindarov’s closest challenger.

The remaining matches between Praggnanandhaa and Giri, as well as Wei Yi and Esipenko, ended in draws, keeping the overall standings stable with Sindarov leading and Caruana in pursuit.

Women’s Candidates: A Three-Way Tie Emerges

In the Women’s Candidates, the competition intensified as GMs Kateryna Lagno and Zhu Jiner joined GM Anna Muzychuk at the top of the leaderboard, creating a tightly contested three-way tie. Lagno’s victory over co-leader Assaubayeva showcased her tactical acumen, while Zhu’s win against GM Vaishali Rameshbabu highlighted her positional mastery.

Lagno capitalized on Assaubayeva’s risky middlegame strategy, converting her advantage with clarity and precision. Zhu, on the other hand, executed a methodical buildup in the Italian Opening, gradually restricting her opponent’s activity before sealing the win.

The remaining games in the Women’s section ended in draws, with GMs Aleksandra Goryachkina and Anna Muzychuk agreeing to a quick split, while Tan Zhongyi and Divya Deshmukh played a longer but ultimately uneventful match.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament progresses, Sindarov’s breakout performance continues to capture attention, but Caruana remains a formidable contender, ready to capitalize on any missteps. With nine rounds still to play, the competition is far from over, and the pressure is mounting.

In the Women’s Candidates, the race is even tighter, with Lagno, Muzychuk, and Zhu all vying for the top spot. With only a point separating the leaders from the rest of the field, every game carries significant weight as the tournament unfolds.

Stay tuned for more thrilling chess action as the 2026 FIDE Candidates and Women’s Candidates tournaments continue to captivate fans worldwide.