The culmination of the 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup semifinal between Uzbeks Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Yakubboev on Sunday was in stark contrast to its beginning on Friday. When the pair met for Game 1, Yakubboev greeted Sindarov with a warm smile. By the end of it, however, Sindarov could barely make eye contact while accepting an offer for a draw in the second rapid tiebreak that settled the contest.

After defeating his compatriot to qualify for the final and secure a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, Sindarov repeatedly offered consoling gestures.

Uzbekistan has finally found a Candidates participant. It is neither their obvious choice and biggest hope Nodirbek Abdusattorov, but the flamboyant 19-year-old Sindarov, who has set the chess world ablaze in recent times.

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