Javokhir Sindarov Says “I’m Not Even the Best Player in Uzbekistan”
World Championship challenger Javokhir Sindarov appears remarkably grounded despite his rapid ascent in the chess world, TOI reports. The 20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster is known for his friendly demeanour and genuine interactions with fans, recently sharing insights into his upcoming schedule and his mindset ahead of the highly anticipated match against D Gukesh.
A hectic summer schedule
Sindarov’s calendar is packed with top-tier competitions starting in July. However, he revealed a slight scheduling conflict that highlights his commitment to both team and individual success.
«I will be going to the U.S. for the World Cup to support my Uzbekistan team,» Sindarov shared, «But I will miss the first game as I will be playing in Hong Kong at that time.»
The Hong Kong event is the World Team Rapid & Blitz meet, showcasing his versatility across different time controls.
Following his stints in the U.S. and Hong Kong, Sindarov will compete in the Global Chess League, a Grand Chess Tour (GCT) rapid and blitz event, and the prestigious Sinquefield classical tournament in St. Louis. He will then return home to represent Uzbekistan in the Chess Olympiad.
Respect for a teammate
Despite being the challenger for the ultimate title in chess, Sindarov remains remarkably humble about his standing within his own country. When discussing his upcoming World Championship match against India’s D Gukesh, he readily admitted:
«I’m not even the best player in Uzbekistan.»
This statement underscores his profound respect for his senior teammate and fellow prodigy, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who has already achieved immense success, including an Olympiad gold medal.
Unconventional preparation
Sindarov also offered a glimpse into his preparation strategy for the World Championship, which is scheduled for later this year. His approach seems surprisingly relaxed compared to the intense, prolonged training camps often associated with such high-stakes matches.
«My team will prepare,» he stated. «I will look at specific things intensely only 2-3 months before the match.»
Even more intriguing is his revelation that he relies very little on chess engines during his preparation, a stark contrast to the heavily engine-dependent strategies employed by many top players today.
Early beginnings
Sindarov’s journey into chess began with an unexpected late-night intervention. He recalled a childhood memory of staying up until 4 am playing a computer game. When his grandfather caught him, rather than just scolding him, he took the opportunity to introduce the young boy to the game of chess, setting him on a path to becoming one of the world’s elite players.
