Sindarov Dominates Praggnanandhaa, Inches Closer to FIDE Candidates 2026 Title

Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov Dominates R Praggnanandhaa in FIDE Candidates 2026

In a thrilling showdown at the FIDE Candidates 2026, Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa faced a tough defeat against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov, marking his second consecutive loss to the rising star. The match, held on Thursday, saw Sindarov extend his lead in the tournament, now sitting two points ahead of second-placed Anish Giri.

Sindarov, who previously defeated Praggnanandhaa in Round 3, showcased his strategic prowess once again, capitalizing on a critical blunder by the Indian Grandmaster. After Praggnanandhaa’s 22…Bd7 misstep in the Queen’s Gambit Declined Barmen Variation, Sindarov seized control of the game, ultimately sealing his victory in 53 moves.

With six wins under his belt, Sindarov has set a new record for the most victories in a single edition of the Candidates since the tournament adopted its modern format in 2013. Despite his commanding position, the 20-year-old remains focused, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “I am very close, but still I have two games with Black. Important games, so I am trying not to think and play good chess always,” he stated after the match.

Sindarov’s journey has not been without its hurdles. Reflecting on his near-miss against Matthias Bluebaum in Round 9, he expressed the pressure of high-stakes chess. “I thought about it a lot and I had a lot of stress yesterday because I didn’t win a completely winning position,” he shared. With the guidance of his coach, he learned to refocus on his goals, emphasizing the importance of playing his best chess rather than fixating on outcomes.

The rivalry between Sindarov and Praggnanandhaa has deep roots, dating back to their childhood encounters. “The first time I played him was when I was seven years old in the Asian Championship in Iran, and he beat me 2.5-0,” Sindarov recalled. “I was very happy to beat him here because last year he also beat me.”

As the tournament progresses, Sindarov’s eyes are firmly set on the prize, but he remains grounded, aware of the challenges that lie ahead. With four games left, the chess world watches closely as he aims for the coveted title.

First Published: April 10, 2026, 09:47 IST