FIDE Candidates 2026 R10: Sindarov scores a historic sixth win

By admin April 10, 2026 0 comments

Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) scored a historic sixth win as he defeated R Praggnanandhaa in Round 10 of FIDE Candidates 2026. Thus, Sindarov registered the highest number of wins scored in a single FIDE Candidates event featuring eight players in a double round-robin format. Anish Giri (NED) is at 6/10, followed by Fabiano Caruana (USA) 5/10.

Sindarov juggernaut keeps rolling

Javokhir Sindarov became the first player in the modern-day eight-player double round-robin format to score six wins in a single edition of a FIDE Candidates tournament.

Unlike the previous round, Sindarov did not miss his opportunity and defeated his opponent R Praggnanandhaa for the second time at this event. Today is the third rest day of the event. Round 11 will be played on Saturday 11th April.

Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) scored a historic sixth win of the event | Photo: FIDE / Niki Riga

Esipenko – Bluebaum: 0.5-0.5

The rematch between the rating twins Andrey Esipenko (2698) and Matthias Bluebaum (GER, 2698) ended in a draw.

Andrey Esipenko – Matthias Bluebaum (GER): 0.5-0.5 | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Sindarov – Praggnanandhaa: 1-0

R Praggnanandhaa (2741) opted for a sharp line in the Queen’s Gambit Exchange variation against Javokhir Sindarov (UZB, 2745) as he was in a virtually must-win situation, draw or loss is almost the same result for him.

Position after 14.Nxg5

Although, it might look dangerous for Black, this has been played before and the computer evaluation is equal. That’s just modern chess. 14…Bxc3+ 15.bxc3 Nxe5 16.dxe5 fxg5 17.f4 is a new move but the idea is not new. Basically, White wants to capitalize on Black’s vulnerable king, so he wants to open up the f-file. He will castle only after Black takes the f4-pawn so that the rook can claim the f-file. That’s what happened in the game.

Position after 22…Bd7

Can you find the only winning continuation for White which Sindarov executed in the game?

Javokhir Sindarov won both games against R Praggnanandhaa at this event | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Press Conference with Javokhir Sindarov | Video: FIDE

Wei – Caruana: 0.5-0.5

Wei Yi (CHN, 2754) drew the rematch against Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2795) after losing their first battle at this event in just 19 moves.

Wei Yi (CHN) – Fabiano Caruana (USA): 0.5-0.5 | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Giri – Nakamura: 0.5-0.5

The rematch between Anish Giri (NED, 2753) and Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2810) was also a draw.

Anish Giri (NED) – Hikaru Nakamura (USA): 0.5-0.5 | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

The FIDE World Cup 2009 and Candidates 2011 winner, the legend – Boris Gelfand (ISR) made the ceremonial first move on Javokhir Sindarov and R Praggnanandhaa’s board | Photo: FIDE / Niki Riga

Interview with Boris Gelfand | Video: FIDE

Replay Round 10 live stream

Replay Round 10 live commentary by GM Peter Svidler and GM Jan Gustafsson | Video: FIDE

Replay Round 10 games

Round 10 results

Javokhir Sindarov scored his sixth win of the event | Graphic: FIDE

Standings after Round 10

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

Round 11 pairings

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

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.