FIDE Candidates 2026

Javokhir Sindarov claimed victory at the FIDE Candidates Tournament, securing the right to challenge Gukesh Dommaraju for the World Championship later this year.

The Uzbek grandmaster sealed the title with a round to spare, finishing with a clear lead over the field. A key draw against Anish Giri confirmed his position at the top and secured the overall win.

Sindarov became one of the youngest winners of the Candidates Tournament in recent years and the first representative of Uzbekistan to achieve this result.

In the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, Rameshbabu Vaishali took first place with 8.5 points. Bibisara Assaubayeva finished second with 8 points, while several players ended on 7.5, forming a tightly contested chasing group.

Meanwhile, Portuguese chess marked a historic milestone. According to information circulating on social media, 20-year-old Filipa Pipiras became the first Portuguese woman to earn the Woman Grandmaster title.

She secured her final norm at the Grenke Open with rounds to spare and also recorded her second International Master norm.