Candidates Round 6: Sindarov Extends Lead, Muzychuk Emerges

Open: Sindarov’s Fifth Win

Photo courtesy FIDE/Yoav Nis.

Another day, another win by GM Javokhir Sindarov. The 20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster delivered the only decisive result of the round, extending his lead to a point-and-a-half.

His closest rival, GM Fabiano Caruana, once again opted for his set up with an early Ng1-f3 and g2-g3, which up until this game had served him very well. But it did not get him any real chances against GM Andrey Esipenko.

Fabiano Caruana was unable to exert any real pressure against Andrey Esipenko, forced to watch Sindarov extend the lead. (Photo courtesy FIDE/Michal Walusza)

If someone told Caruana before the tournament that he would be at +2 after six games, he would surely be absolutely thrilled, and it is quite surreal to see that right now that score is not even enough for a tie for first.

Photo courtesy FIDE/Michal Walusza.

With a score of 5½/6, Sindarov looks unstoppable, but we are not yet at the halfway mark and there is still plenty of chess to be played.

Graphic courtesy of FIDE

Women’s: Muzychuk Emerges

There was a dramatic shift in the standings in the women’s section. Going into the round, GMs Zhu Jiner, Anna Muzychuk and Kateryna Lagno were tied for first with three points each.

Another win for Muzychuk! (Photo courtesy FIDE/Yoav Nis)

Saturday, Muzychuk took the clear lead with a win over her close rival Zhu, while Lagno lost a rollercoaster game against GM Vaishali Rameshbabu.

In 2024, Vaishali responded to a loss in the Candidates by winning five games in a row. Could we be in for more of the same? (Photo courtesy FIDE/Yoav Nis)

Even with this shift, the standings are a lot tighter in the women’s section. Muzychuk sits on top of the standings with 4/6, but there are five players who are only a point behind her, and even the other two players are only a half-point behind that.