Sindarov Claims Candidates Victory with Unprecedented Score
In a stunning display of strategic mastery, Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan has won the world championship Candidates tournament in Pegeia, western Cyprus, with a record-breaking total of 10 points out of 14. The 20-year-old grandmaster finished 1.5 points ahead of his closest competitor, Anish Giri of the Netherlands, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition. His performance, characterized by exceptional pre-game preparation and precise defensive techniques, drew comparisons to legendary Soviet master Mikhail Botvinnik.
Women's Candidates Sees Underdog Vaishali Rise to the Top
Meanwhile, in the Women's Candidates event held concurrently, India's Vaishali Rameshbabu emerged victorious despite being the lowest-seeded player. The 24-year-old, sister of grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, secured first place by half a point over Kazakhstan's Bibisara Assaubayeva, who is also Sindarov's girlfriend. Vaishali's journey was remarkable, as she overcame a slow start with zero wins after five rounds to lead the field by the 11th round, ultimately clinching the title with a tense final-round victory.
Final Standings and Future Prospects
The Candidates final scores after 14 rounds highlighted Sindarov's dominance, with Giri at 8.5 points, Fabiano Caruana at 7.5, and others trailing. In the women's event, Vaishali scored 8.5 points, followed by Assaubayeva at 8, and Aleksandra Goryachkina and Zhu Jiner at 7.5 each. Sindarov now advances to a world championship match against title holder Gukesh Dommaraju in 2026, where he is considered a strong favorite. However, questions linger about whether former champion Magnus Carlsen might return to classical chess for a potential showdown with Sindarov, a match that could generate significant interest and revenue.
Notable Performances and Side Events
Beyond the main events, other chess achievements captured attention. In Menorca, GM Dan Fernandez of England tied for fifth with an unbeaten score, boosting his chances for the Olympiad team. The tournament also featured young talents like Argentina's Faustino Oro and England's Supratit Banerjee, though both faced setbacks. India's 10-year-old Aarit Kapil impressed by achieving an IM norm before his 11th birthday, showcasing prodigious skill. Additionally, the English Chess Federation announced a 24-hour chess marathon in memory of coaches Jonathan Hawkins and Adam Hunt, with proceeds supporting cancer charities.
