20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov secured an early victory in the Candidates Tournament held in Paphos, Cyprus. In the 13th round, Sindarov drew with Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri, accumulating 9.5 points out of a possible 13, which solidified his lead in the prestigious event.

With one round remaining, Sindarov's closest competitors were mathematically unable to catch up, rendering the final, 14th round inconsequential for the tournament's outcome. This decisive win highlights Sindarov's dominance and strategic prowess in the high-stakes competition.

The victory guarantees Sindarov the right to challenge the reigning world champion, 19-year-old Indian grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju, for the World Chess Championship title. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Uzbek chess on the global stage, showcasing the rise of young talent in the sport.

Source: kun.uz