Javokhir Sindarov sets historic points record at FIDE Candidates Tournament

In the final round of the competition, Sindarov faced Wei Yi of China in a match that held no consequence for the final standings, as the Uzbek prodigy had already secured first place a round earlier. The game ended in a swift draw after 32 moves, allowing Sindarov to finish the prestigious tournament without a single defeat.

By securing this final half-point, Sindarov reached a total of 10 points out of a possible 14. This achievement breaks the previous record of 9.5 points set by Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2022, marking the highest score ever recorded in the current double round-robin format. Throughout the event, Sindarov demonstrated remarkable consistency and tactical brilliance, finishing with six wins and eight draws.

The scale of Sindarov’s dominance is further highlighted by his record for the most individual victories in a single Candidates Tournament. By defeating Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in the tenth round, he reached six wins, surpassing the previous maximum of five wins held by legendary figures such as Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Fabiano Caruana. This level of performance signals a significant shift in the competitive landscape of international chess.

Financially, the triumph is equally substantial. Sindarov has secured a guaranteed 70,000 euros for his first-place finish. Additionally, under FIDE regulations, players receive 5,000 euros for every half-point earned, bringing Sindarov’s total prize money for his 10-point performance to 170,000 euros.

The ultimate prize, however, is the right to challenge the reigning world champion, Gukesh Dommaraju of India, for the World Chess Championship crown. The title match is scheduled to take place at the end of 2026 and will consist of 14 games. Regardless of the outcome, both participants are guaranteed prize money exceeding $1 million, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated sporting events in Uzbekistan’s history.