In what has been one of the most commanding runs in recent memory, 20-year-old Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov clinched the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 with a round to spare. His draw against Anish Giri was enough to maintain a two-point lead, putting the rest of the field out of contention.
The victory now sets up a high-stakes World Championship clash against India’s D Gukesh later this year, marking a generational shift at the top level of chess.
Vincent Keymer breaks down the ‘critical moment’
Germany’s No. 1 Vincent Keymer, who has been closely following the tournament, believes Sindarov’s campaign could have looked very different if not for one early escape.
“I’m following the Candidates as closely as I can. I think it’s kind of the highlight of the year. Of course, I would have loved to be there, but still I’m following it quite closely,” Keymer told TimesofIndia.com from Germany. “What can we say? Sindarov is just crushing it.”
According to Vincent Keymer, the turning point came as early as Round 1 against Andrey Esipenko.
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“That first game was extremely critical,” Vincent Keymer said with a smile. “He had a pretty bad position against Esipenko and was down on the clock. Honestly, it was easy for him to lose that game. If he had lost then, things would have been completely different. He survived that shock moment, got a bit lucky, and won that game.”
He continued that one of the defining moments of Javokhir Sindarov’s campaign came against R Praggnanandhaa in Round 10.
He said, “Look at the way he goes about the games.” Against Pragg, he had the choice to play a solid game as White. Instead, he chose to sacrifice a piece for good compensation. But still, it was a very unclear position. In that moment, when drawing all your games basically guarantees you first place, going for such a position takes courage.”
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Vincen Keymer just summed it up by saying, “What can we say? Sindarov is just crushing it.”
Javokhir Sindarov’s run has stood out not just for the results but for the way he achieved them. In an era often defined by caution at the elite level, his aggressive, high-speed decision-making has brought a refreshing edge.
Vincent Keymer also pointed out that this kind of psychological dominance is rare in the post-Magnus Carlsen era, where margins are typically razor-thin.
Also Read: FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026: Javokhir Sindarov Seals Title Early, Women’s Race Still Wide Open
