A memorable performance

Javokhir Sindarov concluded his remarkable Candidates Tournament campaign with a quick draw against Wei Yi in the final round, securing the highest score of the modern Candidates era. Having already clinched first place with a round to spare, the Uzbek grandmaster needed only a draw to finish on 10/14, surpassing the previous benchmark in the double round-robin era that began in 2013. The game itself lasted less than ten minutes, with the players reaching a threefold repetition after 31 moves.

Sindarov's performance in Cyprus was exceptional. He scored six wins and eight draws, remained undefeated throughout the event and gained 30.6 rating points, climbing to fifth place in the live ratings list. He now trails only Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana and compatriot Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The gap between Sindarov and Nakamura has narrowed to 16 rating points, after the American lost 18.4 points during the tournament.

After commentating alongside Jan Gustafsson throughout the event, Peter Svidler described Sindarov's tournament as "overwhelming, flabbergasting and fab". Svidler also called this edition of the Candidates "one for the ages", suggesting that Sindarov's dominant triumph is likely to be remembered for a long time.

Mastering Chess Strategy Vol.1-3

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A post-tournament interview with the champion | Photo: ChessBase / Nils Rohde

Javokhir Sindarov signing autographs | Photo: ChessBase / Nils Rohde

Interview with Mukhiddin Madaminov

The other quick draw of the day came between Nakamura and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. Although the opening was sharp, it was clear that both players had analysed the line deeply in advance, and the game ended by repetition after 33 moves.

Two games ended decisively. Caruana finished the event on a positive note by defeating Andrey Esipenko with the black pieces in a Sicilian Defence.

The victory allowed Caruana to secure sole third place with 7½/14. Given that he entered the event as one of the main favourites, the result is likely to be seen as disappointing, especially after he had started strongly before fading in the second half. Nevertheless, Caruana remains one of the leading players in the world.

Notably, Caruana has now played in all six Candidates Tournaments held since 2016. He won the event in 2018 and famously drew all twelve classical games against Carlsen in the subsequent World Championship match before losing in rapid tiebreaks. Ranked third in the world, he remains one of the perennial elite players who have repeatedly come close to the title match without ultimately becoming world champion.

Video analysis by GM Daniel King

A Supergrandmaster's Guide to Openings Vol.1 & 2

This video course includes GM Anish Giri's deep insights and IM Sagar Shah's pertinent questions to the super GM. In Vol.1 all the openings after 1.e4 are covered.

Fabiano Caruana | Photo: ChessBase /Nils Rohde

Anish Giri also ended the tournament with a win, defeating Bluebaum after the German adopted a more adventurous approach than usual. Giri took advantage of the imbalances and converted his chances to finish alone in second place. Coincidentally, Giri and Bluebaum were the only two players apart from Sindarov to gain rating points in Cyprus.

This was Giri's third appearance in a Candidates Tournament and clearly his strongest. He ended with four wins and only one loss in fourteen rounds. His previous Candidates performances had also been rather positive: he scored 7/14 in 2016, when he famously drew all fourteen games, and 7½/14 in the 2020-21 edition, when he remained in contention for the top places throughout much of the tournament.

After the final round, Giri quipped that his second-place finish might at least provide useful FIDE Circuit points towards qualification for the next Candidates.

Bluebaum, meanwhile, entered the event as the lowest-rated participant and relied on consistent, solid play to score 6/14 points, drawing twelve games and losing only twice. Although he never entered the fight for first place, his performance should give him confidence going forward.

Power Play 27: The King's Gambit

Glorious sacrifices, unexpected tactics and checkmating attacks. The King's Gambit is one of the oldest and most romantic openings in the game of chess. This DVD contains all you need to know to tackle your opponent.

Anish Giri | Photo: ChessBase / Nils Rohde

More videos from Cyprus

Hikaru Nakamura

Fabiano Caruana

Mastering the London System

In this course, Grandmaster Elisabeth Pähtz presents the London System, a structured and ambitious approach based on the immediate Bf4, leading to rich and dynamic positions.
The London System is one of the most popular openings at every level of chess but not all Londons are the same. In this course, Grandmaster Elisabeth Pähtz presents the London System, a structured and ambitious approach based on the immediate Bf4, leading to rich and dynamic positions.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: 5...cxd4 6.exd4 Qb6 sidelines

Round 14 results

Final standings

All games

• Official website: candidates2026.fide.com
• Tickets are available here: tickets.fide.com

Master Class Vol.17 - Boris Spassky

In this video course, experts including Dorian Rogozenco, Mihail Marin, Karsten Müller and Oliver Reeh, examine the games of Boris Spassky. Let them show you which openings Spassky chose to play, where his strength in middlegames were and much more.