Nineteen-year-old Javokhir Sindarov soared to victory at the FIDE World Cup in Goa on Wednesday, becoming the youngest champion in the event’s history. Facing 26-year-old Wei Yi of the Chinese mainland, both classical games ended in draws, and the first rapid tiebreak also remained level before Sindarov clinched the title in the second rapid game.
The final showdown hinged on an Italian Game that transformed into a tense, long-range battle on Wei’s kingside. Sindarov gradually ramped up the pressure, eventually pinning Wei’s king with a perfectly placed queen and forcing resignation on move 60.
By winning the title at 19 years and 4 months, Sindarov beats the previous record and secures a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Alongside him, Wei and Russia’s Andrey Esipenko, who finished third, will compete from March 28 to April 16, 2026, for the chance to challenge India’s reigning champion Gukesh Dommaraju.
Reference(s):
Wei falls short as Sindarov become youngest FIDE World Cup winner
cgtn.com
