Full Breakdown
Javokhir Sindarov and R. Vaishali Rameshbabu Triumph at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments
4/17/2026, 12:31:55 PM
Sindarov's Historic Victory in the Open Section
Javokhir Sindarov, a 20-year-old grandmaster from Uzbekistan, achieved a remarkable feat by winning the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament with a round to spare. His final score of 10 points out of 14 rounds, including six wins and eight draws, marks the highest score in the modern Candidates era, surpassing previous records since the double round-robin format was introduced in 2013. Sindarov's victory was solidified after he drew against Dutch player Anish Giri in the penultimate round, maintaining a two-point lead over the field.
Sindarov's performance was characterized by his undefeated streak throughout the tournament, showcasing a blend of tactical prowess and psychological dominance. He expressed satisfaction with his play, stating, “I felt very comfortable during the game,” and acknowledged the hard work that led to his success. His victory sets up a World Championship match against India's Gukesh Dommaraju, the reigning champion, later this year.
Vaishali Rameshbabu Claims Women's Title
In the women's section, R. Vaishali Rameshbabu, also 24, emerged victorious by defeating Kateryna Lagno in the final round, finishing with 8.5 points. Vaishali's journey to the title was marked by resilience, as she entered the tournament as one of the lowest-rated players. Her performance included five wins and two losses, and she secured the championship by capitalizing on critical moments, particularly in her final game against Lagno, where she executed a well-prepared strategy.
Vaishali's win not only earns her a shot at the Women's World Championship against Ju Wenjun but also highlights her growth as a player. She reflected on her journey, thanking her family and team for their support, and expressed her excitement about the upcoming championship match.
Key Players and Their Performances
Open Section Highlights
- Anish Giri finished second with 8.5 points after a strong performance, including a notable victory over Matthias Bluebaum in the final round.
- Fabiano Caruana secured third place with 7.5 points, concluding the tournament with a win against Andrey Esipenko.
- Hikaru Nakamura and R Praggnanandhaa both ended with 6.5 points, drawing their final match.
Women's Section Highlights
- Bibisara Assaubayeva finished second with 8 points after drawing her final game against Divya Deshmukh.
- Zhu Jiner and Aleksandra Goryachkina shared third place with 7.5 points each, with Goryachkina defeating Tan Zhongyi in her last game.
Official Statements and Responses
Sindarov's coach, Roman Vidonyak, praised his preparation and strategic insights throughout the tournament, contributing significantly to his success. Vaishali's coach, RB Ramesh, highlighted her calmness and focus during critical moments, particularly in the final round.
What's Next
Both Sindarov and Vaishali are set to face formidable opponents in their respective World Championship matches later this year. The chess community eagerly anticipates these historic encounters, marking a significant moment in the sport as two young talents challenge established champions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Speaking at the postgame press conference, Vaishali expressed her delight: “It’s amazing, a dream come true for me.” — R. Vaishali Rameshbabu
Sindarov's and Vaishali's victories at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournaments not only underscore their individual talents but also signify a shift in the chess landscape, with younger players increasingly challenging the established elite.
