UzChess Cup Masters: Yakubboev Edges Out Abdusattorov for $25,000 First Prize

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, half a point more than GMs Yu Yangyi and Alexey Sarana.

Yakubboev, the “other Nodirbek” and the lowest-rated player in the field at 2634, proved his mettle by remaining undefeated throughout the tournament with wins against strong opponents like Vidit Gujrathi and Parham Maghsoodloo. His impressive performance included a spectacular win in the second round, showcasing his strategic prowess and determination.

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

The tournament also saw disappointing performances from renowned grandmasters Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Alexander Grischuk, who finished in eighth and ninth places, respectively. Maghsoodloo, known for his erratic performances, struggled to find his footing in the competition.

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 chess talent from around the world.

Overall, the UzChess Cup Masters provided an exciting display of skill and strategy, with Yakubboev’s unexpected victory solidifying his position as a rising star in the world of chess. Fans can relive the action by replaying all the games from the tournament online.