Uzbekistan is enjoying a breakthrough moment in world chess, with two of its brightest young talents capturing global attention in the same week. Fresh off GM Javokhir Sindarov’s historic victory at the FIDE World Cup, the country’s top-ranked player, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, is now on the verge of winning the prestigious London Chess Classic.
Sindarov, 19, became the youngest-ever winner of the knockout World Cup in Goa, securing Uzbekistan a place in chess history. His triumph comes alongside an extraordinary run by Abdusattorov, who has dominated the elite £50,000 London tournament.
Heading into Round 8 on Thursday, the 21-year-old from Tashkent leads with a remarkable 6.5/7 score — two full points ahead of France’s Alireza Firouzja. Abdusattorov has won six consecutive games, including a victory over England’s Luke McShane, and has gained nearly 20 rating points in the process. A draw or win today would secure him the title.
Both he and Firouzja entered the event after early exits at the World Cup, where they had hoped to qualify for next year’s Candidates Tournament. But with all Candidates places decided in Goa, London will not change their qualification prospects.
Uzbekistan’s strong year does not end with Sindarov and Abdusattorov. GM Nodirbek Yakubboev also made a deep run at the World Cup, finishing fourth after a surprise charge to the semifinals.
Uzbek chess has been steadily rising for several years. Abdusattorov stunned the world by winning the World Rapid Championship at just 17, and in 2022, Uzbekistan’s youthful team captured gold at the Chennai Olympiad. With the country set to host the Olympiad next year, and Sindarov preparing for his Candidates debut, expectations are higher than ever.
Uzbekistan may not yet dominate world chess, but its new generation is sending a clear message: the next global chess powerhouse may be emerging from Central Asia.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Kylian Mbappe delivered another moment of magic on Sunday, scoring a spectacular solo goal in Real Madrid’s match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
