Exclusive: Sindarov wins WC in Goa; ‘closest friend’ Assaubayeva targets her ‘unfinished task’

Uzbekistan’s 19-year-old Javokhir Sindarov made chess history by becoming the youngest FIDE World Cup champion, earning a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Kazakhstan’s Grandmaster Bibisara Assaubayeva, a two-time World Blitz Champion, expressed immense pride in Sindarov’s achievement. Assaubayeva, who recently earned her GM title, now aims to qualify for the Women’s Candidates next year, currently leading the FIDE Circuit.