Javokhir Sindarov Strikes Back After D Gukesh’s Viral Celebration

Just two days after D Gukesh’s pumped emotional celebration went viral across the chess world, Javokhir Sindarov delivered his response where it mattered most.

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The Uzbek grandmaster defeated the reigning world champion during the blitz section of the Grand Chess Tour Super Rapid and Blitz Warsaw on Friday, levelling the growing rivalry between two of chess’s brightest young stars.

The result carried extra weight considering what happened earlier in the tournament.

After defeating Javokhir Sindarov in rapid chess, Gukesh had stunned fans with a seated fist-pump celebration, an unusually emotional reaction from a player known for his calm demeanour and unreadable expressions during games.

The moment quickly spread online, especially with Javokhir Sindarov set to challenge Gukesh for the world title later this year.

Calm revenge from Javokhir Sindarov

But Friday belonged to Javokhir Sindarov. Playing with confidence in their first-ever blitz meeting, the Uzbek teenager outplayed Gukesh and secured a dominant win in Round 8 of the Super Blitz section.

Unlike Gukesh’s animated reaction earlier in the week, Javokhir Sindarov kept things completely calm after the victory, offering only a firm handshake before leaving the board.

That quiet response added another layer to what is quickly becoming a fascinating psychological battle between the two teenagers.

No reaction from World Championship Challenger Sindarov after he scores a crushing win over the World Champion D Gukesh in Round 8 of the GCT Super Blitz!

Video: Sagar Shah/ ChessBase India pic.twitter.com/5QpwNCxloh

— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) May 8, 2026

D Gukesh had earlier bounced back strongly

Earlier in the event, D Gukesh had earned praise for the way he dismantled Javokhir Sindarov in a sharp Caro-Kann Defence with the black pieces.

The Indian grandmaster gradually neutralised Sindarov’s attacking chances before converting his advantage comfortably in 52 moves.

That victory had also come at an important moment for Gukesh after questions around his form surfaced following his surprise defeat against Polish grandmaster Radoslaw Wojtaszek earlier in the tournament.

Now, with both players holding one win each, attention shifts to Saturday’s final reverse-blitz clash in Warsaw.

And with a potential World Championship battle looming later this year, every game between Gukesh and Sindarov suddenly feels much bigger than a regular tournament matchup.