NEW DELHI: The chess international has a brand new apex predator, and his title is Javokhir Sindarov.In a wide ranging show of tactical aggression, the 20-year-old Uzbek Grandmaster (GM) clinched the FIDE Applicants Match 2026 on Tuesday, securing his proper to problem India’s D Gukesh for the International Chess Championship identify later this 12 months.With a spherical to spare, Sindarov’s draw in opposition to Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri used to be sufficient to handle a commanding two-point lead over a shell-shocked box.
In an unique interview, Germany No. 1 Vincent Keymer, recent from his personal triumph on the Freestyle Chess Open on the Grenke Chess Competition in Karlsruhe, shared his insights at the Sindarov Juggernaut“I’m following the Applicants as intently as I will. I feel it is roughly the spotlight of the 12 months. In fact, I’d have beloved to be there, however nonetheless I am following it relatively intently,” Keymer instructed TimesofIndia.com from Germany. “What are we able to say? Sindarov is solely crushing it.”
Probably the most an important second in Sindarov’s run
Each and every mythical run has a second the place it nearly by no means took place. For Sindarov, that second got here in Spherical 1 in opposition to Andrey Esipenko. Down at the clock with slightly six mins left in opposition to Esipenko’s thirty on transfer 27, and gazing a disadvantageous place, Sindarov appeared destined for an opening-day defeat.As an alternative, he swindled a win that modified the trajectory of the event. Keymer believes this used to be the “Large Bang” of Sindarov’s marketing campaign.“That first recreation used to be extraordinarily vital,” Keymer shared with a grin. “He had a horny unhealthy place in opposition to Esipenko and used to be down at the clock. In truth, it used to be simple for him to lose that recreation. If he had misplaced then, issues would had been utterly other. He survived that surprise second, were given a little fortunate, and gained that recreation.”
Sindarov used to be down on time in opposition to Esipenko (Photograph: Screengrab from Chess.com)
Since that get away, Sindarov’s scorecard has appeared extra like a blitz demolition than a marathon classical match. His talent to play at prime velocity, a trait typically reserved for shorter codecs, has left elite veterans gasping for air.
The masterclass of a champion
In all probability an eye-opener for fanatics used to be Sindarov’s come across with R Praggnanandhaa in Spherical 10 of the event. In a state of affairs the place maximum event leaders would go for a forged draw to offer protection to their lead with the White, Sindarov selected violence.“Take a look at the best way he is going concerning the video games,” Keymer instructed this web page. “In opposition to Pragg, he had the selection to play a forged recreation as White. As an alternative, he selected to sacrifice a work for excellent reimbursement. However nonetheless, it used to be an overly unclear place. In that second, when drawing your whole video games mainly promises you first position, going for one of these place takes braveness.”
What are we able to say? Sindarov is solely crushing it.
Vincent Keymer on Applicants Match
Keymer, who lately secured his spot within the 2027 FIDE Freestyle Chess International Championship along with his win on the Grenke Chess Competition, famous that Sindarov is profitable with a mental dominance this is uncommon within the post-Magnus Carlsen generation.
The ‘Bluebaum Sweep’ that wasn’t
The 2026 Applicants has additionally been a event of subplots, none extra vibrant than the #GreatBluebaumSweep. What began as a satirical social media meme, prophesying that German GM Matthias Blübaum would pass 14/14, become a lighthearted rallying cry for fanatics.Keymer introduced a grounded viewpoint on his compatriot’s efficiency.“The sweep used to be a dream, after all,” Keymer laughed. “Matthias performed a really perfect Grand Swiss to get right here, and he deservedly certified. However at this absolute elite stage, you want one thing particular to occur to win the entire thing.”
Matthias Blübaum (Photograph via Niki Riga)
Whilst Blübaum did not ship the 14-0 “sweep” the web craved, Keymer defended his efficiency.“He’s been very forged. He does not lose so much (just one loss in 13 video games). He’s looking to play excellent chess and look forward to his probability, however the hope of him crushing the sphere didn’t materialise. Nonetheless, it’s a particularly reasonable consequence making an allowance for that we’re seeing such a lot of robust avid gamers being on means fewer issues,” the 21-year-old GM said.ALSO READ: Harika Dronavalli Unique | ‘Clean thoughts’ and ambitious jump: How the veteran cracked freestyle chess on debutBecause the mud settles within the Applicants’ corridor, the point of interest shifts to the D Gukesh vs Javokhir Sindarov showdown. This can be a mouth-watering prospect for the brand new age of chess.