Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov commented on the decisive game against Dutch GM Anish Giri in Round 13 of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026. Sindarov says he prepared well for it, and expresses his happiness at winning the tournament.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

Uzbek GM

“I’m very happy. The tournament isn’t over yet, but I’m very happy to win with one round left. It would have been a very hard day for me if I’d lost today. But I played really well and prepared well. It wasn’t easy, but it was close enough to an easy draw.

Hopefully my country is happy for me too, and I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout this tournament. Thank you to my sponsors and the government of Uzbekistan!

Thanks to my team of seconds who helped me a lot, and our next goal is to show the best possible result in the World Championship Match!”

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 won the tournament 1 round ahead and became a candidate for the World Championship title. Sindarov will face reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju at the end of 2026.

Credit: Niki Riga / FIDE