Javokhir Sindarov defeats Magnus Carlsen at World Rapid Team Championship

The Uzbekistan national team secured 8th place at the FIDE World Team Rapid Championship held in Hong Kong, accumulating 15 match points over 12 rounds. The tournament featured a notable upset when Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov defeated former world champion Magnus Carlsen.

Sindarov's participation and preparation for international competitions, including his training with coaches, receive support from the National Bank of Uzbekistan. In the ninth-round match against WR Chess, Sindarov faced Carlsen on Board 1. Carlsen, who had experienced consecutive losses prior to this game and sat out one round, attempted to salvage the position by sacrificing his queen. However, Sindarov successfully converted his advantage to secure the victory.

The match between Uzbekistan and WR Chess concluded in a 3-3 draw. Other Uzbek players also faced strong opposition: Nodirbek Abdusattorov lost to Wesley So, and Nodirbek Yakubboev was defeated by Fabiano Caruana. Mukhiddin Madaminov, Afruza Khamdamova, and Akjol Rakhmatullaev contributed the remaining points for Uzbekistan.

Overall, Uzbekistan's performance included seven wins, one draw, and four losses. This result marked a decline from the previous year's championship in London, where the team achieved 4th place with 17 points. The rapid title was ultimately won by China's Dragon Chilling team, led by Ding Liren, Wei Yi, and Yu Yangyi, who finished with 18 points.