Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov shared his impression of the game against French GM Alireza Firouzja in an unusual setting. Sindarov says players must be ready to compete in special conditions, and notes he tried to focus on the game.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

Uzbek GM

“When I first saw Alireza like this, it looked really funny!

But anything can happen in life, and we should be ready to play even in these conditions. This whole situation is also very interesting, but I hope he’ll be good in the next few days.

I walked around the room mid game, but didn’t go outside. It was better for fair play. The room wasn’t that big, but it was okay. I tried to focus entirely on my game.”

French GM Alireza Firouzja played against Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov in a special room, lying on a bed due to an injured ankle. The game took place in round 5 of the GCT Super Chess Classic Romania 2026.

The GCT Super Chess Classic Romania 2026 takes place from May 14 to 23, at the National Bank of Romania, Bucharest. Alireza Firouzja and Javokhir Sindarov hold last and 8th place respectively after 5 rounds.

Credit: C-Squared YouTube