Uzbek 20-year-old grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov secured an early victory in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge for the World Chess Championship. At a press conference, Sindarov shared his post-victory reflections, detailing the difficulties faced during the tournament and his future plans. He described the past week as 'the hardest week of my life,' noting sleepless nights and intense pressure in the final days.
Sindarov attributed his success to the support of his family, coach Roman Vidonyak, and seconds. He emphasized working seriously with his coach for over a year, which significantly contributed to his growth. He also praised the strong performance of fellow Uzbek player Nodirbek Abdusattorov and highlighted the development of chess in Uzbekistan.
The young grandmaster recalled a period where he spent time on video games, particularly Counter-Strike, which affected his motivation. However, during quarantine, he grew tired of gaming and decided to return to chess. Sindarov described how he began working hard after this decision, leading to a transformation in his life.
Sindarov is now preparing for the upcoming match against reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh. He labeled the match a 'very tough test' but expressed confidence in his team and opportunities. The exact date and venue of the match are yet to be announced by FIDE, though Sindarov indicated a preference for a warmer climate.
Sindarov underscored the importance of support from the Uzbek government and president. He recounted a conversation with the president where trust was expressed and commended the celebratory welcomes after victories. He stressed that hard work is essential for success in chess, with support serving as an additional factor.
Sindarov scored 9.5 points from 13 games, matching the record set by Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2022. He will receive €70,000 for first place plus additional bonuses, totaling €95,000 earned. He now focuses on the World Championship match scheduled for late this year, marking a historic moment for Uzbek chess.
Source: www.gazeta.uz