Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi commented on the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 standings after round 8. Ian says Fabiano Caruana and Anish Giri have a chance to beat Javokhir Sindarov, and notes the leader’s gap from the rest.

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Ian Nepomniachtchi

Russia's No. 1

“I arrived in Cyprus, thinking I’d catch the most interesting part, the tournament’s climax… But, as things stand, the tournament probably already ended.

Caruana lost points to Nakamura, lost to him out of nowhere. The gap to the leader is already 2 points with 6 rounds left.

So, the only hope might be Anish Giri, who is playing very stable chess. But he is also 2 points behind. Maybe there simply won’t be enough distance left to fight for first place.

But let’s see, anything can happen. There are still head-to-head games. Perhaps, with a combined effort, Giri and Caruana will be able to upset the young talent.

We’ll see!”

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 6.5/8 points, which is the highest score since the tournament switched to a double Round-Robin format in 2013.

Credit: Anna Shtourman / FIDE