Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov shared his thoughts on the Chess.com Open 2026 playoff participants during the official tournament stream. Abdusattorov was surprised by opponent Ian Nepomniachtchi’s choice, announced who will he pick, and noted he hopes to play Javokhir Sindarov in the Finals.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

World No. 5

“It’s very surprising choice for me, that Nepo picked Duda. I mean Duda is an incredibly strong player in fast time controls. Of course, everyone here is very strong, but… that’s not the choice I would make. I’ll go with Sam Sevian.

And I hope we have an Uzbek final, because Javokhir Sindarov is on the opposite side of the bracket.”

The Chess.com Open 2026 is a major qualifying pathway for the Esports World Cup 2026, running from March 14 to April 26. The top three finishers in the playoffs qualify for the EWC, and the total tournament prize pool is $250,000. Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov (2771) finished second in the first Play-in and qualified for the Playoff. Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov (2745) qualified for the Playoff by finishing 6th in the Titled Tuesday Grand Prix 2025-26.

Credit: Esports World Cup