Top Uzbek grandmasters like Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov faced off against Hikaru Nakamura and other leading Americans at the first WR Chess Masters in Miami. The two-day team event featured both Rapid and Blitz matches between the countries.
Team USA secured a 14-10 win over Uzbekistan in matches held from July 27 to 28, according to WR Chess.
The contest brought together many of the biggest names in world chess. The American line-up featured Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, Wesley So, Levon Aronian and Leinier Dominguez. Uzbekistan relied on its new generation of grandmasters, including Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Javokhir Sindarov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Shamsiddin Vokhidov and Mukhiddin Madaminov.
The first day, July 27, featured rapid games. The US took a narrow 5-3 lead, thanks in part to Aronian’s strong play. Abdusattorov and Sindarov kept Uzbekistan in the fight, showing why their country is gaining prominence in the chess world.
“What separates us from the rest of the teams is friendship and very good team spirit,” Abdusattorov was quoted by Chess.com.
Blitz section decides the match
The blitz games on July 28 turned the match in the US team’s favour. Uzbekistan had some impressive moments, but the Americans’ steady play helped them pull ahead. Team USA secured the win with a 13-9 lead before the last round, which ended in a draw and confirmed their 14-10 victory.
There were several exciting individual matchups during the event. Sindarov had strong wins over Nakamura and Dominguez in the rapid games, showing he is a rising star. However, the US team’s depth and experience made the difference, with Aronian, So, and Caruana all scoring important points along with Nakamura.
Although Uzbekistan did not win, their efforts earned praise from the American players. “It was always my dream to beat Uzbekistan,” Aronian admitted.
"It was always been my dream to beat Uzbekistan! It means I've been a good boy throughout the year to get this done!" Aronian on winning the match. pic.twitter.com/Sd5Rl4elaW
— chess24 (@chess24com) July 28, 2026
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