Javokhir Sindarov holds second place at the US tournament ahead of the final rounds

Javokhir Sindarov is second at the US tournament ahead of the decisive rounds

Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov occupies the second position at the international tournament Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown 2026, which is taking place in Saint Louis, USA. Ahead of the final day, he shares second place with American Fabiano Caruana, trailing India's Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.

In addition to Sindarov, the competition features Americans Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana, as well as Indian grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.

After six rounds, Praggnanandhaa has scored 11 points and leads the standings. Sindarov and Caruana have 8.5 points each, while Hikaru Nakamura has 8 points.

The second day of play turned out differently for the participants. Sindarov lost twice to Praggnanandhaa, drew with Caruana, and lost to him once more.

Nakamura, who led after the first day with four points, also squandered his advantage: he drew twice with Caruana, lost twice to Praggnanandhaa, and drew both of his games with Sindarov.

The final games of the tournament will take place today, October 29. Participants receive three points for each victory, so the standings could still change.

The final day of play will determine whether Javokhir Sindarov can compete for first place and finish the tournament among the prize winners.

The total prize fund of the tournament is 425 thousand dollars. The winner will receive 125 thousand dollars, the second-place player will get 94 thousand, the third-place holder — 72 thousand, and fourth place — 62 thousand dollars.