Nodirbek Yakubboev Claims Victory at UzChess Cup Masters, Edging Out Abdusattorov on Tiebreaks

In a thrilling showdown at the UzChess Cup Masters in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, bottom-seed GM Nodirbek Yakubboev emerged victorious over top-seed GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov to claim the $25,000 first prize. The two Uzbek grandmasters scored 5.5/9, edging out GMs Yu Yangyi and Alexey Sarana by half a point.

Yakubboev, the “other Nodirbek” and the lowest-rated player in the field at 2634, proved his mettle by remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. His impressive performance included wins against strong opponents like Vidit Gujrathi and Parham Maghsoodloo. Notably, his strategic play in the second round showcased his prowess as he dominated with a steel king, reminiscent of a King Of The Hill game.

Abdusattorov, the top seed, matched Yakubboev’s score but with one extra win and a loss, securing the second-place prize of $20,000. Despite his strong performance, Abdusattorov’s only loss came at the hands of his compatriot GM Javokhir Sindarov in a rare Bc4 Dragon matchup with opposite-side castling.

The tournament also saw disappointing results for renowned grandmasters Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Alexander Grischuk, who failed to secure a single win. Maghsoodloo, known for his erratic performances, also struggled in Tashkent.

In the Challengers group, GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov claimed first place, while the Futures group was won by Ukrainian GM Vitaly Sivuk. The UzChess Cup 2024 featured a Masters, Challengers, and Futures round-robin format, showcasing top-tier international talent in the heart of Uzbekistan.

Overall, the UzChess Cup Masters provided an exciting display of strategic prowess and fierce competition, solidifying Yakubboev’s status as a rising star in the world of chess.