Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov produced a commanding performance to win the 2026 Candidates Chess Tournament on Tuesday, sealing the title with a round to spare and booking a World Championship clash against reigning champion D Gukesh later this year.
The 20-year-old confirmed his victory after a controlled draw against Anish Giri in Round 13, a result that ensured he could not be caught at the top of the standings. Sindarov finished the tournament unbeaten, underlining both his consistency and his ability to manage critical moments across the two-week event.
Rather than relying on a late surge, Sindarov built his campaign steadily, picking up key wins in the middle rounds before shifting focus to control and consolidation. By the closing stages, he held a clear lead and navigated the final stretch without taking unnecessary risks.
India’s R Praggnanandhaa, the lone Indian participant in the Candidates Open section after qualifying through the 2025 FIDE Circuit, was unable to stay in contention for the top spot despite a promising start.
Sindarov’s victory sets up a high-profile World Championship match against D Gukesh, who made history in December 2024 by becoming the youngest world champion. Gukesh defeated Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in Singapore, breaking a 39-year record held by Garry Kasparov, who had won the title at 22 in 1985.
The upcoming contest is expected to be the youngest World Championship match in history, signalling a clear generational shift at the top of the sport. The venue and dates for the match are yet to be finalised, with the showdown scheduled for later in 2026.
Recent encounters between the two underline how evenly matched they are. At Tata Steel Chess 2026, Gukesh reached a winning position after a striking queen sacrifice, but Sindarov defended with precision to secure a 78-move draw. Sindarov’s only classical victory over Gukesh came in May 2022, and their games since have largely been closely fought.
Sindarov heads into the title clash on the back of a 50-game unbeaten run in classical chess, a streak built on discipline and defensive resilience as much as attacking clarity. Gukesh, meanwhile, has endured a mixed start to the year, finishing ninth in Prague and fourth in Menorca, where he lost both games to compatriot Nihal Sarin.
Despite that dip in results, Gukesh’s pedigree at the highest level and his ability to rise in major events ensure that the World Championship match remains finely balanced. With both players known for their deep preparation and composure under pressure, the contest later this year is expected to be a closely contested battle for the title.
