Chess.com Open 2026: Sindorov leaves the competition, Abdusattorov intends to continue the fight
Uzbek grandmasters Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindorov recently competed in the Chess.com Open 2026, a key qualifying event for the 2026 Esports World Cup. Javokhir Sindorov has been eliminated from the tournament following a narrow loss to France's Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in an Armageddon tiebreak. Meanwhile, Nodirbek Abdusattorov remains in the competition but has moved to the losers' bracket after a 3-2 defeat against Denis Lazavik. He is now set to face Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi as he fights to stay in the race for the title and a spot in the World Cup.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javohir Sindorov participated in one of the world's largest online chess competitions — Chess.com Open 2026.
This tournament serves as a qualifying stage for the 2026 World Cup in esports — Esports World Cup 2026. The world's strongest chess players are participating in the competition, vying for spots in the next stage and a large prize pool.
Javohir Sindorov, the winner of the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, concluded his participation in the competition. After losing to Russia's Danil Dubov in the opening round, Sindorov was unable to capitalize on his second chance. He faced French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. The first two games ended in a 1:1 tie. In the Armageddon (the chess equivalent of a penalty shootout), Sindorov suffered a defeat and exited the tournament.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov defeated American Sam Sevian with a score of 3:0 in the first round. In the following stage, he faced Denis Lazavik of Belarus. Abdusattorov lost this match with a score of 3:2 and will now compete against Russia's Yan Nepomnyaschiy in the losers' bracket.
It is worth noting once again that the tournament serves as a qualification for the Esports World Cup 2026. Leading chess players from around the globe are competing to advance to the next stages and for a substantial prize fund.
The players are competing in a "10+0" rapid format. Any participant who suffers two defeats ends their contention for the championship.
For reference, at the Esports World Cup 2025, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, competing for NAVI, secured 5th place and earned a prize of 85,000 US dollars. Javohir Sindorov, representing Team Vitality, concluded his participation in the group stage and was awarded 50,000 US dollars.
Comments 0
…