Sindarov leads comfortably at halftime
Javokhir Sindarov went into the second rest day of the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus with a sizeable 1½-point lead over Fabiano Caruana, consolidating his position at the top of the standings at the halfway mark.
After seven rounds, the Uzbek grandmaster has already collected as many wins as each of the last four Candidates winners managed across the full 14-round events – matching the totals of Gukesh Dommaraju (2024), Ian Nepomniachtchi (2022 and 2020/21) and Fabiano Caruana himself (2018). This means that even if Sindarov were to draw all his remaining games, he would still finish with the same number of wins as those champions.
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Despite this remarkable start, the outcome is far from decided: a 1½-point gap is not insurmountable in a typical tournament, although the depth of preparation at the Candidates often allows players to secure draws when needed. Sindarov is now the clear favourite, but the second half of the event may yet bring surprises, whether through a loss of momentum by the leader or a strong run by his closest rival.
Javokhir Sindarov, the youngest participant in the open section of the Candidates Tournament | Photo: FIDE / Yoav Nis
Round seven featured three draws and one decisive result. Wei Yi scored his first win of the event by defeating Andrey Esipenko with the black pieces. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu v. Fabiano Caruana and Matthias Bluebaum v. Hikaru Nakamura were well-played encounters in which neither side obtained realistic chances to fight for a win. These games concluded after 38 and 40 moves, respectively.
Round 7 results
Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu versus Fabiano Caruana | Photo: FIDE / Yoav Nis
Matthias Bluebaum versus Hikaru Nakamura | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
The longest game of the round was the encounter between tournament leader Javokhir Sindarov and Anish Giri. Once again, Sindarov managed to build up a significant time advantage, and after the position simplified into a queenless middlegame, he gradually increased the pressure against Black’s isolated pawn.
Giri, however, proved to be ready up to the (defensive) task despite being more than an hour down on the clock during the technical phase of the game. By simplifying into an ending with rook and two pawns against bishop and two pawns, he reached a position that functioned as an impenetrable fortress.
After 85 moves, the Dutch grandmaster secured the draw.
Anish Giri had to work hard for the half point – he is only the second player to get a draw against the tournament leader, though | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
The only decisive game of the day showed that even the Petroff Defence can lead to sharp and dynamic play. Esipenko chose an early sideline as soon as move four, relying on his preparation, but later missed a critical moment when he could have castled long safely with 14…0-0-0. Instead, he played 14…Bd2?!, after which Wei Yi immediately seized the initiative.
The Chinese grandmaster built up a powerful queenside attack, finding a series of energetic moves. Among them, 26…Bb5!! stood out, as it left his rook on c4 en prise while maintaining the momentum of his attack.
Wei continued to press with accuracy and eventually claimed what turned out to be his first win of the tournament. The Chinese grandmaster stands on 3/7, a full three points behind the runaway leader.
Andrey Esipenko facing the very talented Wei Yi | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza
Standings after round 7
All games
In this video course, experts including Dorian Rogozenco, Mihail Marin, Karsten Müller and Oliver Reeh, examine the games of Boris Spassky. Let them show you which openings Spassky chose to play, where his strength in middlegames were and much more.