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Sindarov, 19, Wins FIDE World Cup in Tiebreaks to Become Youngest Champion

The victory seals a Candidates berth, highlighting a month that showcased a rising teenage wave in elite chess.

Overview

  • Javokhir Sindarov defeated Wei Yi 2.5–1.5 after two drawn classical games, clinching the title by winning the second rapid game with Black.
  • Sindarov earned $120,000 and lifted the newly named Viswanathan Anand Cup, becoming the first Uzbek winner of the World Cup.
  • Both finalists qualified for the 2026 Candidates, with Andrey Esipenko taking the third berth by beating Nodirbek Yakubboev 2–0 in the playoff.
  • The World Cup ran in Goa from November 1–26 as a 206‑player knockout and serves as a primary path to the Candidates in Cyprus in March–April 2026.
  • On returning to Tashkent, Sindarov received a public welcome that included a three‑bedroom apartment, a reported cash award, a state honor, and greetings from the prime minister.