Praggnanandhaa Shatters Sindarov’s Undefeated Streak at Super Chess Classic Romania

Pragg Ends Sindarov’s Undefeated Streak at Super Chess Classic Romania

Bucharest, Romania – In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu (Pragg) triumphed over Javokhir Sindarov, ending the latter’s remarkable 53-game unbeaten streak in classical chess during the second round of the Super Chess Classic Romania. The tournament, which kicked off with five drawn games in the first round, saw its first decisive results on Friday, with Pragg, Vincent Keymer, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave emerging as co-leaders.

Pragg’s victory was particularly significant, as it not only marked a personal milestone but also halted Sindarov’s impressive run that had seen him go without a loss since September 2025. The two young grandmasters, both 20 years old, had previously faced off twice, with Sindarov claiming victory in both encounters. However, this time, it was the defending champion of the Romanian event who showcased his resilience and tactical prowess.

In their match, Sindarov attempted to generate attacking chances through a material sacrifice, but Pragg’s defensive skills shone through. After neutralizing the pressure, the Indian grandmaster capitalized on his material advantage, sealing the game with a well-executed strategy.

Round 2 Highlights

• Vincent Keymer vs. Bogdan-Daniel Deac: Keymer secured a victory in a strategic battle, punishing Deac for a critical kingside weakness that arose from a Reti Opening.

• Maxime Vachier-Lagrave vs. Alireza Firouzja: In an all-French clash, Vachier-Lagrave outmaneuvered Firouzja in a double-edged Najdorf Sicilian, demonstrating his adeptness in handling complex positions.

The remaining two games of the round ended in draws, with Fabiano Caruana and Anish Giri settling for a theoretical draw in 37 moves, while Jorden van Foreest and Wesley So battled for 55 moves before agreeing to a stalemate.

Standings After Round 2

With their victories, Pragg, Keymer, and Vachier-Lagrave now share the lead in the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the Super Chess Classic Romania. As the competition heats up, chess enthusiasts eagerly await the next rounds, hoping for more thrilling encounters and potential upsets.

Stay tuned for further updates as the tournament unfolds, showcasing the best of chess talent from around the globe.