UzChess Cup: Mamedyarov and Nepo score, enter final round a half point behind leaders

by Carlos Alberto Colodro
6/15/2026 – Shamsiddin Vokhidov and Mukhiddin Madaminov remain tied for first place at the UzChess Cup with one round to go, after both drew their games on Sunday. Ian Nepomniachtchi and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (pictured, right) scored wins to move within half a point of the leaders, while Nikolas Theodorou defeated Nodirbek Abdusattorov after the Uzbek grandmaster was caught by the touch-move rule in an equal endgame. The final round kicks off four hours earlier than usual, at 8.00 CEST. | Photo: Official website

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Vokhidov and Madaminov remain as co-leaders

Shamsiddin Vokhidov and Mukhiddin Madaminov continue to share the lead at the UzChess Cup in Tashkent with one round to go. The two Uzbek representatives, ranked eighth and tenth respectively in the ten-player field, both drew their games with the white pieces on Sunday.

Madaminov had the more eventful game of the two leaders, as he obtained some chances to press for a win against Arjun Erigaisi in an endgame with rook against bishop.

The game eventually ended drawn, leaving the early tournament surprise leader still tied for first place. Vokhidov, meanwhile, signed a 29-move draw against Vidit Gujrathi to remain level with his compatriot.

The remaining three games were decisive. Ian Nepomniachtchi defeated Hans Niemann, while Shakhriyar Mamedyarov got the better of Nodirbek Yakubboev. Both winners moved to within half a point of the co-leaders, giving them a chance to fight for tournament victory in Monday's ninth and final round.

Nepomniachtchi later confessed that the line he used to defeat Niemann had been prepared for the 2021 World Championship match against Carlsen. The Russian GM ended the game with 1 hour and 22 minutes on his clock!

The other decisive result came in unusual circumstances, as Nikolas Theodorou defeated Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The Uzbek grandmaster was forced to resign in a completely equal endgame after falling foul of the touch-move rule, as he touched his king while his rook was en prise on f2.

The final round will see both leaders playing with the black pieces. Vokhidov will face Abdusattorov, while Madaminov will meet Niemann. The closest pursuers, Mamedyarov and Nepomniachtchi, are set to face each other, which keeps several scenarios open going into the last day.

Round 8 results

Standings after round 8

All games

Links


Carlos Colodro is a Hispanic Philologist from Bolivia. He works as a freelance translator and writer since 2012. A lot of his work is done in chess-related texts, as the game is one of his biggest interests, along with literature and music.
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