This week in Goa, at the 2025 FIDE World Cup final, 19-year-old Uzbekistan star Javokhir Sindarov made history by defeating Wei Yi of the Chinese mainland, becoming the youngest champion ever. ♟️✨
The showdown was intense: two classical games ended in draws and the first rapid tiebreak proved just as tough. But Sindarov turned up the heat in the second rapid, steering an Italian Game into a relentless kingside assault. His brilliant queen pin forced Wei Yi to resign on move 60, sealing a thrilling victory. 🔥
With this win, Sindarov locks in his spot at the Candidates Tournament, set for March 28–April 16, 2026. He’ll head into the event alongside fellow qualifiers Wei Yi and Russia’s Andrey Esipenko, who finished third. Together, they'll vie for the chance to challenge India’s reigning champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, for chess's ultimate prize. 🌍🏆
From rising prodigy to record-breaker, Sindarov’s journey is just starting. Watch out for this teenage phenom as he gears up to rock the elite chess scene next year! 🚀
Reference(s):
Wei falls short as Sindarov become youngest FIDE World Cup winner
cgtn.com
