Javokhir Sindarov wins Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz

Uzbekistan’s J. Sindarov, who secured first place in the rapid competition at the Naroditsky Memorial Rapid & Blitz tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, also emerged victorious in the blitz event.

Sindarov, who is preparing for a match against reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh of India for this year’s world chess crown, scored 7.5 points out of 9 in the blitz competition and secured the championship title. In the final round, he drew with American chess player Hikaru Nakamura, who is ranked higher in the world standings.

Wesley So, representing the host country, finished second with 7 points, while Ethan Sheehan finished third with 6 points.

Javokhir Sindarov earned $6,000 for first place. Another Uzbek chess player, Mukhiddin Madaminov, finished sixth with 4.5 points.

T. Ruziyev, UzA