American GM Hans Moke Niemann shared his opinion on the performance of Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov at the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Niemann notes Sindarov’s successful run at the Tata Steel Masters, and mentions his own prediction of Gukesh Dommaraju’s victory at the 2024 Candidates.

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“Sindarov’s been impressive. If you look at my tier list before I actually put him and Fabiano in the Top 2.

I predicted it just like I predicted Gukesh’s victory. You can see a stability in Tata Steel. He is well-prepared, disciplined, not too emotional.

I think Sindarov is the player to beat now.”

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 (2745) is the first player to score 3.5 points in the first four rounds of the tournament.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE