Javokhir Sindarov Shocks Nakamura And Leads Candidates Tournament Race
American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura was left searching for answers during a tense clash at the Candidates tournament in Cyprus, spending more than an hour on a single move against Uzbekistan’s rising star Javokhir Sindarov, according to WSJ.
The world No. 2 eventually faltered, walking into a trap set by the 20-year-old, who capitalised on the mistake to secure a decisive victory.
«He just thought one hour and played the wrong move,» Sindarov said. «After this, I took the advantage and played very well.»
The win strengthened Sindarov’s position at the tournament, where the winner earns a shot at the World Chess Championship. After seven rounds, he has collected five victories, matching the record for most wins at a Candidates event with half the tournament still to play.
Rapid rise of a new contender
Few had predicted such a dominant run. Entering the eight-player competition, three rivals held higher ratings, and the event typically rewards experience under pressure. Yet Sindarov, a former child prodigy from Tashkent, has rapidly emerged as one of the standout players in the field.
His early performance, including four wins and a draw in his first five games, even drew praise from former world champion Magnus Carlsen.
«Nobody expects you to go 4.5 out of 5,» Carlsen said.
Sindarov’s rise began in childhood under the guidance of his grandfather. He became one of the youngest grandmasters in history before turning 13 and is now part of a new wave of Uzbek talent transforming the global chess scene.
Uzbekistan’s growing chess power
The country’s modern success traces back to Rustam Kasimdzhanov’s world title in 2004, which sparked nationwide investment in chess. Government-backed programmes expanded training and access, helping develop a generation of elite players. Uzbekistan now boasts four players in the world’s top 50, including Nodirbek Abdusattorov, currently ranked No. 4.
Sindarov and Abdusattorov were key members of Uzbekistan’s team that won the 2022 Chess Olympiad under Kasimdzhanov’s coaching. The former champion has noted how early today’s players receive high-level training compared with previous generations.
A new era in world chess
Sindarov’s emergence also comes during a transitional period in chess following Magnus Carlsen’s decision in 2022 not to defend his world title. The move opened the door for a new generation, including Ding Liren and Gukesh Dommaraju, to compete for the crown.
At the Candidates, Javokhir Sindarov has shown both preparation and creativity. In one game, China’s Wei Yi attempted to steer play away from well-known lines, but Sindarov adapted quickly, winning with the black pieces through sharp improvisation.
«If I get a chance to play a dynamic position from either side, I will always be very happy,» Sindarov said.
