He just lost two classical games in the last 54 classical games | Javokhir Sindarov

He just lost two classical games in the last 54 classical games

In this interview with Lichess, Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov discusses his preparation and outlook as the youngest competitor in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Ultimately, Sindarov expresses a focused determination to prioritise more solid playing style and a successful partnership with his coach. While acknowledging his natural aggressive instincts, Sindarov emphasises the importance of adaptability and remaining confident against the world's elite players. He also highlights the collaborative spirit within the Uzbekistan national team, noting how their mutual support has fuelled the country's rise as a chess powerhouse. Ultimately, Sindarov expresses a focused determination to prioritise his own performance while viewing the tournament as an open field where every participant has a genuine chance to win. Watch the full interview here - Javokhir Sindarov: Everyone has the same chances here | Candidates 2026

Theophilus Wait: I’m very lucky to be joined by the Uzbek Grandmaster, Javokhir Sindarov. Thank you so much for joining us; you’re the youngest Grandmaster here in the field, so how does it feel to be here at this stage of your career?

Javokhir Sindarov: I think this is one of the best times in my chess career because I am playing in the Candidates, which gives you a chance to challenge the world champion. Of course, the tournament will be very hard with top players who qualified through difficult stages, but everyone has a chance, including me. I will try my best and I think I have good chances to win this tournament.

Theophilus Wait: That’s a very confident reply, which I like to hear. Overall, 2025 has been an incredible year for you; I think over 54 classical games, you maybe only lost two. How are you getting these kind of consistent results, and has something in your decision-making changed?

Javokhir Sindarov: Did you calculate my results or are you just saying that from my interviews? I never calculated this myself.

Theophilus Wait: We do our research!

Javokhir Sindarov: So I really only lost two? I know one was against Prag and one was in the Grand Swiss. I cannot remember all my losses because maybe I don't lose often. It’s a good result in my opinion, and I think I started playing pretty solid in the last years, which is why my rating went up fast from around 2665 to 2745. I like this style where you play solid and try to realize chances when you get them.

Theophilus Wait: What is remarkable is that you have a very aggressive style and are comfortable taking risks with both colors.

Javokhir Sindarov: If you see my games, I am still playing very aggressively and can play the King's Indian for a win against anyone. But in some games, if I need to play for a draw or play solid, I can. Against Arjun in Tata Steel, I just tried to play solid, and when he started to push me, I realised my chances and won the game. Becoming more solid has really helped me a lot now.

Theophilus Wait: Looking at the numbers, you have many decisive games, especially with the White pieces and against opponents under 2700 with Black.

Javokhir Sindarov: Maybe I won a lot of games against opponents less than 2700 in the last few years. After I started working with my coach Roman, I started to feel more confidence and my chess level went up immediately. I am always learning, and if you are always learning, your level will go up.

Theophilus Wait: Your performance rating with the White pieces is at about the same level as Fabiano or Hikaru.

Javokhir Sindarov: Maybe, but I try not to analyze my own stats that way. It is very cool to hear from someone who really analyses my games.

Theophilus Wait: A lot of other top players, like Teimour Radjabov, have said you are one of the top contenders to get first here. How does that feel, being the youngest in the field?

Javokhir Sindarov: Like I said, everyone has the same chances here. Playing with Black is very important, and if you are not lucky, you will never win this tournament. I think Fabi has the best chances, but other players like Hikaru and Anish also have good chances. Andre and Mathias also have a chance if they are in good shape; Mathias, for example, is very solid and can beat people easily if they start pushing him.

Theophilus Wait: Do you adjust your approach to certain opponents, like Prag, who gave you one of your few losses in 2025?

Javokhir Sindarov: No, it’s fine. In that game against Pragg in Tashkent, I think he just prepared very well and I completely forgot my line. Here, I have prepared very well and we will see what happens.

Theophilus Wait: Hikaru’s last serious classical event was 10 months ago; do you think he might be a little bit rusty?

Javokhir Sindarov: Hikaru is one of the top players, and I don’t think not playing for 10 months will be a factor. I just want to focus on myself and play good chess without thinking too much about what other players are doing.

Theophilus Wait: You had a lot of support from Uzbekistan when you won the World Cup, working with Rustam Kasimdzhanov and Vakhidov. Do you feel that same support from your teammates here?

Javokhir Sindarov: Yes, everyone is supporting me at a high level, and I just need to play good chess from my side.

Theophilus Wait: Since Rustam Kasimdzhanov was a second for Fabiano for a long time, do you have an edge against Fabi from that cooperation?

Javokhir Sindarov: No, I don't think so, because that was a very long time ago and is not relevant anymore. In my opinion, chess completely changed after 2021 and the pandemic regarding openings and everything else.

Theophilus Wait: It seems your generation has a completely new style of chess. You are actually the first Uzbek player to play in this format of the Candidates; how does that feel?

Javokhir Sindarov: I never really thought about this because Uzbekistan has become a very strong chess country. In the next few years, I believe two or three more players from our country will play in this tournament. We have a very good relationship, are good friends, and always support each other, which helped us win the Chess Olympiad in 2022. This year the Olympiad is in our country, so the preparation will be at a high level. We have extremely good players and a good chance to win the Olympiad again.

Theophilus Wait: Thank you so much for your time and for giving such great answers. All the best for the tournament.

Javokhir Sindarov: Thank you.