Carlsen remains the only player above 2800, but Sindarov is heading there
20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov won his fourth consecutive game by beating China’s Wei Yi in Round 6 of the FIDE Candidates Tournament at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort in Cyprus. Sindarov now leads solely with 5.5 out of 6 points, achieving a 3150 performance rating after previous victories over Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Praggnanandhaa R, and Andrey Esipenko. The tournament determines the challenger for the reigning World Champion.
Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura drew their Candidates games, thus remaining below 2800 elo. As of this moment, Magnus Carlsen remains the only player above 2800. However, Sindarov is on track for joining the club. If he keeps on winning, a 12,0/14 will be enough for Sindarov to cross 2800.
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Gukesh – Sindarov World Chess Championship 2026?
A potential world championship match between reigning classical titleholder Gukesh Dommaraju and rising Uzbek star Javokhir Sindarov would represent one of the most exciting generational clashes in modern chess history. As of early 2026, Sindarov, fresh off winning the FIDE World Cup and storming to an early lead in the Candidates Tournament with dominant wins over top players like Fabiano Caruana, has emerged as a serious contender to challenge Gukesh later in the year.
Many rounds remain at the Candidates, but Sindarov looks like a clear favorite for Gukesh – Sindarov World Chess Championship 2026 encounter.
What Carlsen says about Sindarov