Uzbek Chess Grandmaster Sindarov Wins Candidates Tournament, Will Face Gukesh for World Title

Uzbek chess grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov has won the 2026 Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, earning the right to challenge India's Gukesh Dommaraju for the world chess championship.

Sindarov clinched victory with a round to spare on Tuesday by drawing his game against Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri. Sources described his performance as dominant, with one report noting he won six games during the tournament - an unusually strong showing.

The Candidates Tournament is chess's most important qualifying event. Eight of the world's best players compete for the chance to face the reigning world champion. Gukesh became world champion after winning the title, making him one of the youngest world champions in chess history.

This championship match will pit two Asian chess powers against each other, reflecting the sport's growing popularity across the continent. Both players represent a new generation of chess talent that has emerged in recent years.