Article by Viory
The spotlight turned to the Mediterranean city of Paphos on Wednesday, as 16 of the world’s top players gathered for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, battling for a coveted place in the World Chess Championship.
Footage shows chess grandmasters from around the world – including Ukrainian Anna Muzychuk, American Fabiano Caruana, Chinese Tan Zhongyi, and Russian Aleksandra Goryachkina – completely absorbed in the game as they play for victory.
“It’s an amazing venue. Of course, it’s an amazing tournament. I’m happy to visit FIDE,” visitor Dima Mikhailo, commented. “And I’m happy to be part of this event.”
“The playing conditions are very good. The hotel is very good. It’s a very nice area of Cyprus. And we’ve talked to many of the players, and most of them are very content with the conditions. So up to now, it’s going well,” FIDE Coach Michael Anthony stated.
20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov celebrated a Candidates Tournament victory, winning six of his 14 games and remaining unbeaten throughout. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Vaishali Rameshbabu from India emerged as the winner in the Women’s Candidates Tournament with a score of 8.5/14.
“Probably the key moment of the tournament is against FABI, second half. When I won such a long game. It’s a very unpleasant endgame. I think I will win this tournament after the game. And the last three games, I have two whites, and I don’t feel any pressure,” Sindarov commented after the tournament.
The winners will now prepare to take on the reigning chess monarchs: World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and five-time Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun.
The date and venue for the World Chess Championship matches have yet to be announced.
Article by Viory
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