UzChess Cup Round 3: Arjun Holds Mamedyarov as Vokhidov Emerges Sole Winner

India's top Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi continued his impressive campaign at the UzChess Cup 2026 Masters in Tashkent by holding experienced Azerbaijani star Shakhriyar Mamedyarov to a draw in Round 3. While Arjun secured a valuable half-point against one of the strongest and most seasoned players in the field, Uzbekistan's Shamsiddin Vokhidov emerged as the sole winner of the round with a victory over compatriot Mukhiddin Madaminov .

The prestigious tournament has brought together a formidable lineup of international grandmasters, including former World Championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi , American Grandmaster Hans Niemann , Greek Grandmaster Nikolas Theodorou , and several leading Uzbek players. Played in a round-robin format, the competition promises fierce battles as every participant faces each other in the race for the title.

Arjun entered the third round in strong form after beginning his campaign with a draw against Vokhidov before registering an important victory over Nodirbek Yakubboev in Round 2. The win helped the Indian star establish himself among the early contenders and demonstrated the confidence that has seen him rise into the world's elite ranks.

His Round 3 clash against Mamedyarov was among the most anticipated games of the day. The Azerbaijani veteran, renowned for his dynamic and aggressive approach, posed a stern challenge, but Arjun responded with disciplined and accurate play. Neither player managed to gain a decisive edge, and after a tense battle, the game concluded in a draw, allowing both players to add half a point to their tally.

The third round saw only one decisive result. Uzbekistan's Shamsiddin Vokhidov defeated Mukhiddin Madaminov to secure the day's sole victory, while the remaining matches ended in draws. Arjun Erigaisi and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov shared the point after their hard-fought encounter, Ian Nepomniachtchi drew with Nikolas Theodorou , and Hans Niemann split the point with Nodirbek Yakubboev . The results ensured that Arjun remained unbeaten in the tournament, taking his tally to 2 points from three rounds , comprising one victory and two draws.

Vokhidov's victory added further intrigue to the tournament standings, with the home favourite capitalizing on his opportunity to collect a full point. Meanwhile, the drawn games highlighted the depth and competitiveness of the field, where even the slightest mistake can prove costly against world-class opposition.

For Indian chess fans, Arjun's consistent performances continue to be a major positive. The Telangana-born Grandmaster has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in global chess, and his ability to remain unbeaten against elite competition once again underlined his growing maturity and resilience at the highest level.

With several rounds still remaining, the battle for the UzChess Cup 2026 title is far from settled. The standings remain closely packed, and every point will be crucial as the tournament progresses. Arjun's solid start has kept him firmly in contention, and Indian fans will be eager to see whether he can build on his momentum and challenge for top honours in Tashkent.