One More Round, One More Win. Javokhir Sindarov Now 5.5/6

The gap is no longer theoretical. It is real, visible, and widening.

With his win over Wei Yi, Javokhir Sindarov has moved to 5.5 out of 6, scoring five wins in six games and opening up clear daylight over the field. Even today, he did not start better. Wei Yi had a slight edge early, but under pressure, he overextended trying to complicate, and Sindarov punished it with calm precision. The only decisive result of the round. The only player moving forward.

For Indian fans, the focus inevitably shifts to Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and his game today against Hikaru Nakamura. It ended in a draw, but it was a controlled, measured game rather than a missed opportunity. Nakamura avoided sharp lines, kept things balanced and contained, and Pragg matched him move for move. There were no real breakthroughs, no prolonged pressure, and no decisive imbalance. It was a game where both players neutralised each other early, and the result reflected that.

Pragg, to his credit, is holding his ground. He has shown resilience, composure, and the ability to stay in the fight. But this is the brutal arithmetic of the Candidates. Holding is not enough when someone else is running away with it.

There are still eight rounds to go. But unless a miracle happens, the door is closed. Not just for Pragg. For everyone else.

Javokhir Sindarov is going to be the Candidate. To challenge Gukesh Dommaraju for the World Chess Championship, likely later this year as per the current cycle.

And given Gukesh’s lackadaisical form of late, this may not just be about who qualifies.

If this continues, Sindarov may not just be the Candidate.

He may well be the Champion.