Javokhir Sindarov Dominates Candidates Tournament in Cyprus; Praggnanandhaa Struggles

Original: Javokhir Sindarov runs riot in Cyprus, destroys Wei Yi; Praggnanandhaa held to lifeless draw

The Indian Express•Apr 5, 20265 min

In a Nutshell

Javokhir Sindarov from Uzbekistan continues to impress at the Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus, securing his fifth victory by defeating China's Wei Yi. Meanwhile, India's R Praggnanandhaa faced a disappointing draw against Hikaru Nakamura, jeopardizing his chances for a World Championship shot.

Key Points

01Javokhir Sindarov leads the tournament with 5.5 points after defeating Wei Yi.
02R Praggnanandhaa's draw against Hikaru Nakamura raises concerns about his World Championship aspirations.
03Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh both secured their first wins in the women's Candidates.
04Anna Muzychuk takes the lead in the women's section after defeating Zhu Jiner.
05Sindarov's aggressive style is drawing attention and admiration from chess commentators.

In-Article Ad

Full Summary

Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan) showcased his exceptional skills at the Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus, defeating Wei Yi (China) in the sixth round to secure his fifth victory and lead the tournament with 5.5 points. Sindarov's bold play, including a key move of Bishop g4, has drawn praise from commentators, highlighting his ability to thrive under pressure. In contrast, India's R Praggnanandhaa struggled to capitalize on his position, settling for a lifeless draw against Hikaru Nakamura (USA), which diminishes his chances of competing for the World Championship. In the women's section, both Indian players, Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali, achieved their first wins, with Vaishali's victory over Kateryna Lagno being particularly notable for her double bishop sacrifice. Meanwhile, Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) took the lead in the women's tournament after defeating Zhu Jiner (China), marking a significant shift in the standings. The tournament continues to unfold with high stakes for all participants.

Key Figures

5.5

Points accumulated by Javokhir Sindarov, leading the tournament

3

Points achieved by both Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali in the women's Candidates

In-Article Ad

Why It Matters

Sindarov's performance not only boosts his own prospects but also raises the profile of chess in Uzbekistan, while Praggnanandhaa's struggles may affect Indian chess fans' hopes for a World Championship contender.

Who is affected

chess enthusiasts, players, and fans in India and Uzbekistan

What to know

Fans should follow the tournament closely to support their players and understand the implications of the results.

FAQ

Javokhir Sindarov leads the Candidates Tournament 2026 with 5.5 points from six games.

R Praggnanandhaa drew against Hikaru Nakamura, which raises concerns about his chances for the World Championship.

✦