Reigning world champion D Gukesh on Wednesday sent a huge message to chess enthusiasts around the world by defeating his challenger for the world crown, Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan in the fifth round of the Super Rapid and Blitz, part of the Grand Chess Tour, in Warsaw, Poland.
Gukesh had earlier withdrawn from the main event of the Grand Chess Tour, citing his form as the reason and focusing more on training ahead of his World Championship defence.
But Gukesh was in full swing as he equaled Sindarov’s move in a fast-paced encounter that was the first clash before the Uzbek takes on the Indian ace. The World Cup match is scheduled for later this year.
Interestingly, Gukesh and Sindarov both lost their previous games in this round. Gukesh was edged out by Poland’s Radoslav Wojtashek, while Sindarov lost to tournament leader Wesley So of the United States.
Caro Kann’s defense was the World Champion’s choice for this round, and Sindarov went for something unconventional in the opening, giving Gukesh a dynamic position that he likes very much.
The Indian then won a pawn that offered sufficient compensation for White, and in search of another Sindarov launched an attack that completely boomeranged.
The Uzbek grandmaster has previously dismissed claims it was an important clash ahead of the World Cup match, but his play clearly indicated he was under some pressure.
As things progressed, Gukesh swallowed another piece that Sindarov sacrificed, and once the queens were exchanged, the outcome was in no doubt. Gukesh bagged the first win against his challenger in 52 moves.
Meanwhile, Wesley So continued to lead the field with eight points from his five games, winning three and drawing two. With each win worth two points in the fast games, Wesley now trails compatriot Hans Mok Niemann, who is in fine form with seven points.
Gukesh has five points and is not far behind with four quick and 18 blitz games remaining in a tournament that offers a dynamic format.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
06 May 2026 22:23 IST
