New Delhi: The global chess spotlight has shifted to Javokhir Sindarov, whose dominant run at the Candidates Tournament 2026 has positioned him as the leading contender for the world title. The 20 year old secured victory with a final round draw against Wei Yi, finishing with an impressive 10 out of 14 points, the highest score recorded in the modern format of the tournament.
This achievement places Sindarov ahead of recent benchmarks set by top players, including D. Gukesh, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and even Magnus Carlsen. His victory has earned him a place in the upcoming World Championship match, where he will challenge reigning champion Gukesh later this year.
Carlsen, speaking at an event in Stockholm, expressed strong confidence in Sindarov’s chances. He noted that while anything can happen in a championship match, Sindarov currently appears to be the more complete player. He also pointed out that Gukesh has certain visible weaknesses, while describing Sindarov as more balanced in his overall game.
Former world champion Garry Kasparov shared a similar view, identifying Sindarov as the clear favourite based on recent form. However, he also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of a 14 game title contest, where pressure and endurance play a decisive role.
Despite the growing support for Sindarov, Gukesh remains a formidable opponent. The Indian grandmaster claimed the world title in 2024 by defeating Ding Liren and has since built a reputation for resilience and strong defensive play.
The upcoming encounter between Sindarov and Gukesh is expected to be historic, as both players are just 20 years old. It will mark the youngest World Championship match ever, signalling a generational shift in the world of chess.
