FIDE Candidates 2026 R8: Sindarov increases his sole lead by two points

By admin April 8, 2026 Updated: April 9, 2026 0 comments

Andrey Esipenko drew against Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) in Round 8 of FIDE Candidates 2026. Hikaru Nakamura (USA) defeated Fabiano Caruana (USA) in their rematch. Thus, Sindarov’s sole led became increased to two points. Anish Giri (NED) also won his rematch against Praggnanandhaa.

Giri and Nakamura beat Praggnanandhaa and Caruana

Javokhir Sindarov is now at 6.5/8. Fabiano Caruana and Anish Giri are the only two players trailing by two points at 4.5/8 each. With only six rounds left, Sindarov is definitely the favorite to win the tournament. He might just win it and become a World Championship Challenger with a round to spare.

Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) stretches his sole lead to two points 6.5/8 | Photo: FIDE / Yoav Nis

Esipenko – Sindarov: 0.5-0.5

The rematch between Andrey Esipenko (2698) and Javokhir Sindarov (UZB, 2745) ended in a 24-move draw via repetition.

Andrey Esipenko and Javokhir Sindarov had a short day at the office | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

David Luiz, Pafos FC football, made the ceremonial first move on Andrey Esipenko and Javokhir Sindarov’s board | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Javokhir Sindarov is still World no.5 now with a live rating of 2769.6 | Source: 2700chess.com

Interview with Javokhir Sindarov | Video: FIDE

Wei – Bluebaum: 0.5-0.5

The rematch between Wei Yi (CHN, 2754) and Matthias Bluebaum (GER, 2698) was a well-contested draw.

Wei Yi (CHN) – Matthias Bluebaum (GER): 0.5-0.5 | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Giri – Praggnanandhaa: 1-0

Anish Giri (NED, 2753) avenged his first round loss against R Praggnanandhaa (2741).

Position after 36.e6

Allowing the passed e-pawn to move 36.e6 freely was the first mistake. 36…Qg6 37.Rf2 Rc4 38.Rf4 h5?? was the final mistake 39.Qf2+– and things just ended in a hurry for Black. 39…Bc2 40.e7 Be4 41.Rf8+ Kh7 42.Rxe8 Qxe8 43.Rxe4 dxe4 44.Qf5+ and it’s over as Black has to give up his rook to prevent the pawn promotion.

R Praggnanandhaa realizing that it’s over | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Press Conference with Anish Giri and R Praggnanandhaa | Video: FIDE

Nakamura – Caruana: 1-0

In the last two Candidates, Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2810) has won both rematches against Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2795) with the white pieces. He continued the pattern in this one too.

Position after 28.h3

Black needed to give up his a5-pawn in order to ensure White cannot form a battery of rooks on the seventh rank. 28…h5? 29.Rd1+- Rbb2 30.Rd8+ Kh7 31.Rdd7 Rxf2 32.Rxg7+ White’s rooks on the seventh rank is much stronger. It defends the g2-pawn and can pick up the weak isolated pawns.

Hikaru Nakamura (USA) defeated Fabiano Caruana (USA) in their rematch game for third consecutive Candidates | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Press Conference with Hikaru Nakamura | Video: FIDE

Hikaru Nakamura analyzes his game against Fabiano Caruana | Video: GMHikaru

Round 8 in progress | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Football star David Luiz: “Salah, Kanté, and Zouma were playing a lot of chess” | Video: FIDE

Replay Round 8 live stream

Replay Round 8 live commentary by GM Peter Svidler and GM Jan Gustafsson | Video: FIDE

Replay Round 8 games

Round 8 results

Anish Giri and Hikaru Nakamura scored the wins of Round 8 | Graphic: FIDE

Standings after Round 8

Javokhir Sindarov is now two points ahead of the field | Graphic: FIDE

Round 9 pairings

Hikaru Nakamura — Andrey Esipenko
Fabiano Caruana — Anish Giri
Praggnanandhaa R — Wei Yi
Matthias Bluebaum — Javokhir Sindarov

Schedule

FIDE Candidates Open and Women will take place from 29th March to 15th April. Tie-breaks, if needed, will be played on 16th April. Rest days are on 2nd, 6th, 10th and 13th April 2026.