Javokhir Sindarov Poised for Historic Candidates Victory in Cyprus
Image credit: FIDE
NAGPUR: World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov is just four wins and three draws away from clinching the Candidates tournament in Cyprus. With an impressive score of five wins, two draws, and six points from seven games, the 20-year-old from Uzbekistan has already achieved the best halfway mark since the tournament adopted its current format in 2013.
Even if Sindarov splits points in the next seven games, he could match the best-ever score of 9.5 points set by Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2022. As Sindarov continues his remarkable debut, the competition heats up with veteran Fabiano Caruana trailing at 4.5 points, while India’s Praggnanandhaa R and Dutch GM Anish Giri sit at joint third with 3.5 points.
In the women’s Candidates, Anna Muzychuk leads the pack, undefeated and half a point ahead, while Vaishali R follows closely.
Will Sindarov secure his place in chess history? Stay tuned!
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Javokhir Sindarov Poised for Historic Victory in Candidates Tournament
NAGPUR: In a stunning display of skill and strategy, 20-year-old Javokhir Sindarov, the youngest-ever winner of the Chess World Cup, is just four wins and three draws away from clinching the prestigious Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. With an impressive record of five wins and two draws, Sindarov has amassed six points from seven games, marking the best halfway score since the tournament adopted its current eight-player double round-robin format in 2013.
Sindarov’s remarkable performance has put him in a commanding position, as he aims to match or surpass the best-ever score of 9.5 points achieved by Ian Nepomniachtchi in the 2022 Candidates. If he manages to secure even a few draws in the remaining rounds, he will solidify his place in chess history.
The young prodigy, who dazzled audiences with his World Cup victory in Goa just six months ago, appears unfazed as he prepares to face the remaining contenders. Following Sindarov is veteran player Fabiano Caruana, who has accumulated 4.5 points. Meanwhile, India’s rising star Praggnanandhaa R and seasoned Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri are tied for third with 3.5 points each. Should Caruana, Pragg, and Giri manage to score against Sindarov, the competition could become a fierce battleground.
In a post-game interview with the Saint Louis Chess Club, Caruana expressed confidence, stating he feels no pressure as the tournament progresses. “Every game is a new opportunity,” he remarked after his draw with Praggnanandhaa.
On the women’s side, Ukrainian grandmaster Anna Muzychuk, who qualified just a week before the tournament began following the withdrawal of India’s Humpy Koneru, is leading the women’s Candidates. Undefeated and half a point ahead of her competitors, Muzychuk is proving to be a formidable force. Close behind her is Vaishali R, while Divya Deshmukh, along with Russian players Kateryna Lagno and Aleksandra Goryachkina, and Chinese competitor Zhu Jiner, are all vying for the top spot.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes are on Sindarov, who could soon add another remarkable achievement to his young career. Will he continue his winning streak and secure his place in the annals of chess history? Only time will tell.
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