Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov commented on his compatriot Javokhir Sindarov’s performance at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. Nodirbek expresses happiness for Sindarov, and believes Javokhir has a good chance of winning the tournament.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Uzbekistan's No. 1

“Of course, I expected him to do well, but I think nobody expected that kind of performance. But yeah, so far, he’s doing an incredible job. He’s playing very high-quality chess.

I’m very happy for him, obviously. He’s done a lot of work before this tournament, and he fully deserves it. And if things go smoothly, then I think he will get first place, and he has great chances in the match with Gukesh as well.

He has a huge margin, even if he struggles a little bit. But I think he should be able to complete the job!”

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 takes place from March 28 to April 16, at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov leads the tournament with 6/7 points, which is the highest score since the tournament switched to a double Round-Robin format in 2013.

Credit: Michal Walusza