Sindarov Holds Steady Lead as Candidates Tournament Approaches Final Rounds
Sindarov Holds Steady at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament as Giri Rises to Second Place
October 10, 2026 — With only five rounds remaining in the highly competitive 2026 FIDE Candidates tournament, Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov continues to maintain a solid point-and-a-half lead over his closest rivals. However, a missed opportunity in his latest match has kept the excitement alive for chess enthusiasts around the globe.
In a tense encounter against GM Matthias Bluebaum, Sindarov had a chance to extend his lead to a full two points. After the game, he reflected on a pivotal moment—his 24. … Qb7 move—which he initially thought was a safe choice. “I didn’t spend too much time on it, but I was surprised to see that the computer evaluated the position as winning for Black,” Sindarov admitted. His oversight allowed Bluebaum to escape with a draw, preventing what would have been a record-breaking sixth victory in a Candidates tournament.
Sindarov’s slip-up has opened the door for new challengers, most notably GM Anish Giri, who capitalized on the situation by defeating GM Fabiano Caruana. Giri’s victory not only propelled him into clear second place but also positioned him as Sindarov’s closest competitor, now just a point behind.
Meanwhile, the women’s section saw a significant shakeup as GM Zhu Jiner claimed the lead for the first time after defeating her rival GM Kateryna Lagno. Zhu’s impressive performance has put her in a strong position, joined by GM Vaishali Rameshbabu, who also secured a win against her compatriot GM Divya Deshmukh. Both women now share the lead, half a point ahead of GM Anna Muzychuk.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes are higher than ever. Round 10 concluded earlier today, and players will return to the board on Saturday morning at 8:45 a.m. EDT after a well-deserved rest day on Friday.
For those eager to follow the action, the official event page and various online platforms provide comprehensive coverage, including live broadcasts on Twitch and YouTube.
As the tension builds and the final rounds approach, all eyes will be on Sindarov to see if he can maintain his lead or if Giri—and the emerging talents in the women’s section—will disrupt the status quo.