Sindarov Sets Up Youngest-Ever World Title Match With Stunning Win At FIDE Candidates

Superlatives flowed on Tuesday as GM Javokhir Sindarov completed a remarkable, historic victory at the FIDE Candidates Tournament to book himself a date with destiny later this year.

The 20-year-old Uzbek won with a round to spare after an accurate 58-move draw with second-placed GM Anish Giri left him uncatchable.

"I'm very happy, but I'm not that surprised to win this tournament because I always believed in myself," Sindarov said in the press conference afterwards.

Sindarov, who qualified for the event with his shock win at the 2025 World Cup, has now won the right to challenge GM Gukesh D for the game's ultimate event, the World Chess Championship, in what will be the youngest ever match.

Gukesh is already the youngest world champion having taken the crown aged 19 from GM Ding Liren in 2024. GM Garry Kasparov was the previous youngest-ever title holder having won it aged 22 in 1985. Sindarov now has a chance to become the second in another all-Asian title clash. The date and venue is yet to be announced.

Sindarov said of Gukesh: "He's the youngest champion in history and of course one of the best players in the world.

"He has a lot of strong skills and it will be a very exciting match. He has very good team. What can I say, I just wish him good luck."

So far, with one round to play, Sindarov has scored six scintillating wins and seven draws. It the highest number of wins since the double round-robin format was introduced in 2013.

He takes home the winner's cheque for €70,000 and a rating point gain of 30.5, taking him to world number-five in FIDE's rankings. He's also almost certain to gain more riches at home in Uzbekistan, but we'll wait to hear about that.

And it got better for the young star from Tashkent. In the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, Sindarov's closest friend GM Bibisara Assaubayeva defeated GM Anna Muzychuk to move into a tie for first place with GM Vaishali R.

Wednesday's final round will determine whether there will be an outright winner or a tiebreak will be required. Up to six of the eight players still have a theoretical chance to win the event.

Despite Sindarov having dominated the tournament since the moment it started, there was still an air of shock in the commentary box.

"He hasn’t lost a single game. That’s the story," said GM David Howell.

IM Tania Sachdev said: "We are witnessing the next generation take over,” before adding: "One of the most convincing Candidates performances we’ve ever seen."

GM Peter Leko said: "He makes equal positions look completely winning."

In the post-round press tournament, Sindarov expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout the tournament.

He said: "A big thank you to everyone who supported me during this long event. Every round was very tough, and the last week was the hardest of my life. I even slept very badly in the final days. I’m very happy it's over. Many thanks to my family, my coach, my seconds, and everyone who supports me."

So the World Championship match later this year is set. Gukesh vs Sindarov, the battle of the new generation. It's going to be a cracker!