FIDE Candidates 2026: Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov Sets Up Gukesh Clash After Unbeaten Triumph; Vaishali Stays in Women’s Title Hunt

Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov delivered a commanding performance to win the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, sealing his place in the World Championship clash against reigning champion D Gukesh. Sindarov clinched the title unbeaten after drawing his round 13 match against Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri with the black pieces.

The Uzbek prodigy secured the Candidates crown with a round to spare, underlining his consistency and composure throughout the tournament. His unbeaten run stands out in a field stacked with elite Grandmasters, setting up a highly anticipated showdown for the world title later this year.

Vaishali Remains in Women's Title Race

In the women's section, India's R Vaishali kept her title hopes alive with a resilient draw against Tan Zhongyi while playing with the black pieces. The result took Vaishali to 7.5 points, keeping her firmly in contention heading into the final round.

Vaishali will now face Zhu Jiner in a crucial final-round encounter. Meanwhile, Bibisara Assaubayeva also moved to 7.5 points after defeating Anna Muzychuk, intensifying the race for the top spot. Elsewhere, Aleksandra Goryachkina remained in the mix as her game progressed.

Gukesh Awaits New Challenger

Gukesh, who scripted history in December 2024 by becoming the youngest-ever world champion, will now defend his crown against Sindarov. The Indian Grandmaster had defeated China's Ding Liren in Singapore at just 18 years of age, marking a generational shift in world chess.

Having already proven his mettle by winning the 2024 Candidates, Gukesh now faces a fresh and formidable challenge in Sindarov, whose unbeaten run signals a player in peak form.

FIDE Candidates Round 13 Other Key Results

In other notable matches, India's R Praggnanandhaa played out a draw against Fabiano Caruana, while Divya Deshmukh suffered a defeat against Kateryna Lagno.

With the Candidates tournament nearing its conclusion, all eyes now turn to the World Championship clash, where Sindarov's fearless run will collide with Gukesh's historic rise in what promises to be a defining battle for the future of chess.

FIDE Candidates Round 13 Results