Praggnanandhaa Triumphs Over Sindarov at Sinquefield Cup 2026

In an exciting match at the Sinquefield Cup 2026, Indian grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa achieved a remarkable victory over World Championship challenger Javokhir Sindarov. After a draw in his opening match, Praggnanandhaa's win places him among the leaders of the tournament. The competition, featuring ten elite grandmasters, runs from August 10 to 19, providing a final opportunity for players to earn Tour Points before the Grand Finals. Praggnanandhaa's recent success in Rapid & Blitz events further highlights his rising status in the chess world.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 13:20 IST

Praggnanandhaa's Impressive Victory

Photo: @GrandChessTour/X

St. Louis, Aug 12: Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa achieved a significant victory against World Championship contender Javokhir Sindarov during the second round of the Sinquefield Cup.

Following a draw with Sam Sevian, Praggnanandhaa secured his first win in the 2026 Sinquefield Cup, placing him among the leaders alongside three other competitors with a score of 1.5/2 points.

In a gripping rook-knight endgame, Sindarov faltered, allowing Praggnanandhaa to triumph in a six-hour battle that spanned 95 moves. After numerous exchanges on move 46, the game transitioned to a rook and knight with two pawns versus a rook and knight with one pawn. A critical blunder by Sindarov on move 82 enabled Praggnanandhaa to capitalize and claim victory.

The 20-year-old began his tournament with a draw against American player Sam Sevian, entering the second round with half a point. His win over Sindarov has now positioned him as a contender for the title early in the competition.

In other matches, Aronian defeated Vincent Keymer, MVL triumphed over Sevian, and Wesley So overcame Jorden van Foreest.

Praggnanandhaa's next challenge is against Keymer in Round 3, set for Wednesday at 10:30 PM IST. After two rounds, five players are tied at the top with 1.5/2, intensifying the competition.

The 2026 Sinquefield Cup serves as a crucial regular-season event and a highlight of the Grand Chess Tour. The tournament runs from August 10 to 19, featuring ten elite grandmasters competing in nine rounds of classical chess, providing one last chance to earn Tour Points before the Grand Finals.

Earlier this year, Praggnanandhaa clinched his first Rapid & Blitz title at the 2026 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, marking the first U.S. leg of the Grand Chess Tour (GCT). He excelled in the rapid section, scoring 12 out of 18 points, and secured the overall title in blitz, earning USD 50,000. His outstanding performance in rapid chess also propelled him into the live top 10 of the world rapid rankings for the first time in his career.