FIDE Candidates 2026 R6: Sensational Sindarov wins four in-a-row, stretches his lead

By admin April 5, 2026 Updated: April 6, 2026 0 comments

Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) is on a generational run at FIDE Candidates 2026. The FIDE World Cup 2025 winner registered his fourth consecutive win as he defeated Wei Yi (CHN) in the sixth round. Fabiano Caruana (USA) drew his game against Andrey Esipenko, putting him 1.5 points behind Sindarov at 4/6.

Sindarov’s generational run continues

R Praggnanandhaa made a quick 23-move draw against Hikaru Nakamura which surprised the latter as why his opponent did not continue to play. Praggnanandhaa is at 3/6 along with Anish Giri (NED).

Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) is on a generational run 5.5/6 | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Wei – Sindarov: 0-1

This is the first Classical rated game between Wei Yi (CHN, 2754) and Javokhir Sindarov (UZB, 2745) since their battle at the FIDE World Cup 2025 Finals. Wei opted for the Vienna Game with the white pieces. His opponent equalized out of the opening quite comfortably. In the major piece endgame, Wei made an incorrect rook trade offer which allowed Black to gain a decisive advantage.

Position after 29…Qxe4

30.bxc5 dxc5 31.Rf3 would have been fine for White. Instead, 30.Rxd6?? Rxd6 31.Rxd6 Qe3 gave Black a substantial advantage. White resigned in the next few moves.

Javokhir Sindarov scored his fourth win in-a-row, this time against Wei Yi | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Javokhir Sindarov is now World no.5 with a live rating of 2770.2 | Source: 2700chess.com

Press Conference with Javokhir Sindarov and Wei Yi | Video: FIDE

Fabiano Caruana (USA) – Andrey Esipenko: 0.5-0.5 | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Hikaru Nakamura (USA) and R Praggnanandhaa made a 23-move draw | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Nakamura: “Draw seemed like a reasonable result. I was sort of surprised that Pragg didn’t play on” | Video: FIDE

Hikaru Nakamura analyzes his game against R Praggnanandhaa | Video: GMHikaru

Anish Giri (NED) – Matthias Bluebaum (GER): 0.5-0.5 | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

12-year-old WCM Aida Paunescu, the current Women’s Champion of Cyprus and the youngest national chess champion and 8-year-old FM Rafail Antoniou, the reigning Champion of Cyprus, made the ceremonial first move on Fabiano Caruana and Andrey Esipenko’s board | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Round 6 in progress | Photo: FIDE / Yoav Nis

Replay Round 6 live stream

Replay Round 6 live commentary by GM Peter Svidler and GM Jan Gustafsson | Video: FIDE

Replay Round 6 games

Round 6 results

Javokhir Sindarov scored the sole win of the round | Graphic: FIDE

Standings after Round 6

Javokhir Sindarov increased his sole lead by 1.5 points 5.5/6 | Graphic: FIDE

Round 7 pairings

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

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.