A fresh chapter has been added to one of chess’s most exciting emerging rivalries as Javokhir Sindarov defeated reigning World Champion D Gukesh during the Grand Chess Tour Super Rapid and Blitz event in Warsaw.
The much-anticipated encounter came just days after Gukesh’s emotional fist-pump celebration following his rapid-format win over Sindarov went viral across the chess world. This time, however, Sindarov responded strongly by getting the better of the Indian prodigy in their first-ever blitz meeting.
Their growing rivalry has become one of the biggest talking points in international chess, especially after Sindarov earned the right to challenge Gukesh for the World Championship title later this year by winning the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Earlier in the week, Gukesh had defeated Sindarov in a dramatic rapid game and celebrated passionately — a rare emotional outburst from the usually composed Indian grandmaster. The celebration sparked huge reactions online and added extra intensity to the rematch.
Chess fans are now eagerly awaiting the World Championship showdown between the two teenage stars, with their recent battles already offering a glimpse of what could become a defining rivalry of modern chess.
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