Dutch GM Anish Giri commented on his game with Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov in round 7 of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. Giri explains that one of his moves came from a childhood memory, and notes that he realized this after the game.

Anish Giri

Anish Giri

Dutch GM

“I knew this line as a child already. Sometimes I have this feeling — I think for some people it’s normal — when I remember that I have already seen this position in my childhood.

I was so convinced by what I saw that I just skipped the rook move. I just felt I have to move another way.

I didn’t even realize it until Sindarov told me after the game… It was just kind of funny!”

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 takes place from March 28 to April 16, at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. Dutch GM Anish Giri holds 3rd place and Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov leads after the first half of the tournament.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE