Earlier this week in Goa ✨, the FIDE World Cup crowned a new chess king: 19-year-old Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan shocked the world by beating Wei Yi of the Chinese mainland in a nail-biting final 🏆. The two classical games ended in draws, and after a dramatic first rapid tiebreak, the teenager clinched victory in the second rapid, making history as the youngest champ ever.
The defining moment came in a high-pressure Italian Game where Sindarov gradually squeezed Wei’s position on the kingside. With a perfectly timed queen maneuver, he pinned his 26-year-old opponent’s monarch and forced resignation on move 60 ♟️. It was pure strategy, nerves, and next-level focus.
Besides Sindarov’s record-breaking feat, Russia’s Andrey Esipenko took third, earning his spot in next year’s Candidates Tournament (March 28–April 16, 2026). Sindarov, Wei and Esipenko will challenge for the chance to face India’s reigning champion Gukesh Dommaraju for the world title. 🌟 Young talent is rewriting the game, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Reference(s):
Wei falls short as Sindarov become youngest FIDE World Cup winner
cgtn.com
