Javokhir Sindarov produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament by defeating World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura with the black pieces in Round 5. The victory moved Javokhir Sindarov to 4.5/5 and into sole first place. It also handed Nakamura another disappointing result.
Nakamura entered the game looking to recover after a slow start. Playing with the white pieces, he tried to take control from the opening. Javokhir Sindarov, however, stayed calm and matched every idea. He gradually equalized before taking over the game.
The turning point came in the middlegame. Nakamura’s position lost coordination, and Javokhir Sindarov seized the opportunity. He converted small positional advantages into sustained pressure. A precise tactical sequence forced Nakamura into a losing endgame.
The win was more than just another point. Javokhir Sindarov proved he belongs among the world’s elite. Beating one of the strongest players in chess on the Candidates stage confirmed that he is a genuine title contender. His fearless style and consistent performances have made him one of the tournament’s biggest stories.
For Hikaru Nakamura, the defeat made the road ahead much tougher. Considered one of the pre-tournament favorites, he slipped further behind the leaders. With every round carrying enormous importance, there was little room left for mistakes.
Javokhir Sindarov also highlighted the rise of a new generation in world chess. The 20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster has impressed with deep opening preparation, excellent positional play, and remarkable composure under pressure. His performances throughout the tournament showed he has the skill and mentality needed to compete for the highest honors.
As the tournament progressed, Javokhir Sindarov maintained his lead and won the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. The title earned him the right to challenge Gukesh Dommaraju for the World Chess Championship later this year.
