Fabio Caruana: 'I Realized Javohir Would Become a Threat Soon'

Italian grandmaster Fabio Caruana has shared his thoughts on young Uzbek chess player Javohir Sindarov.

'Rustam Kasimdzhanov started talking about talented young guys back in 2020-2021. He even considered Nodirbek Yakubboev one of the most talented. Of course, it's difficult to make such predictions when chess players are so young and strong.

I first played against Nodirbek Abdusattorov at the 2021 Rapid World Championship, which he won. I heard about Javohir Sindarov in 2021, but I first met him at the 2023 Grand Swiss tournament. Although his rating wasn't that high back then, I felt he was strong. He made some mistakes and played in a questionable style in the openings. Even then, I realized Javohir would become a threat soon.

Nodirbek has already introduced himself to the world and achieved success. His victory at the Olympiad is not news to us, as it happened a few years ago. However, Javohir's +6 result at the Candidates Tournament was a real surprise and a big discovery for everyone,' said the American athlete.