Javokhir Sindarov Becomes Youngest-Ever FIDE World Cup Champion; Sinks Wei Yi In Tiebreaks To Seal Title

Last Updated:November 26, 2025, 18:25 IST

GM Javokhir Sindarov, aged 19, won the FIDE World Cup in Goa by defeating Wei Yi on tiebreaks, earning a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

Uzbekistan’s teenage sensation GM Javokhir Sindarov capped off a dream run by clinching the FIDE World Cup title in Goa, outclassing China’s Wei Yi in Wednesday’s tiebreaks.

After two controlled, risk-free draws in the classical games, the final headed exactly where both players seemed comfortable — rapid tiebreaks.

The first rapid game saw Sindarov press with a small endgame edge, but the 19-year-old couldn’t convert, and the players split the point.

The second, however, was all Sindarov. With ice-cold precision and relentless pressure, the Uzbek prodigy squeezed Wei Yi in a long endgame, forcing resignation on move 60 and securing the biggest title of his young career.

Sindarov, who became a grandmaster at just 12 years old, entered the tournament as the 16th seed, but tore through a chaotic knockout field where favourites fell early and often. His semifinal victory came against compatriot and friend Nodirbek Yakubboev, once again decided in tiebreaks.

Both Sindarov and Wei Yi have now booked coveted seats at the 2026 Candidates Tournament, earning a shot at the World Championship cycle.

(more to follow…)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More

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