Sindarov Wins FIDE World Cup, Becomes Youngest Champion at 19

Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov etched his name into chess history on Wednesday by becoming the youngest-ever champion of the FIDE World Cup. The 19-year-old defeated China’s Wei Yi with a commanding 2.5–1.5 victory in the final held in Goa, claiming the prestigious title and USD 120,000 in prize money. Remarkably, Sindarov achieved this feat as the tournament’s 16th seed, showcasing an exceptional performance throughout the competition.

Dominant Display in the Final

The match unfolded with Wei Yi opting for a steady draw in the first classical game with white pieces. However, Sindarov seized the initiative in the decisive second game, controlling the Italian Opening despite computer evaluations suggesting a balanced position. The Uzbek champion methodically tightened his grip on the game, activating his rooks at crucial moments to dismantle Wei’s defenses. Wei Yi secured the runner-up position and USD 85,000, along with a qualification spot for the Candidates tournament.

Birthday Coincidence and Regional Dominance

An extraordinary coincidence emerged from the championship results: both the World Cup and Women’s World Cup winners are 19 years old and share nearly identical birthdays. Sindarov, born December 8, 2005, is just one day older than India’s Divya Deshmukh, who won the Women’s World Cup on July 28, 2005. This remarkable synchronicity highlights an emerging trend in global chess. Sindarov’s triumph consolidates Uzbekistan’s rising prominence in the sport, positioning him as the nation’s leading talent alongside Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The victory underscores a significant shift in chess’s competitive landscape, with Asian players increasingly dominating the international stage.