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World chess champion D Gukesh sent a message across the world about his calibre with a victory over his impending opponent at the world championships, Javokhir Sindarov, at the Super Rapid and Blitz in Warsaw on Wednesday.
Gukesh had withdrawn from the main event of the Grand Chess Tour, citing his form and choosing instead to focus on training for his World Championship title defence.
Gukesh was in fine form, matching Sindarov move for move in their rapid encounter, the first of their clash ahead of the World Championship match scheduled for later this year.
But what became the major attraction of the tie was Gukesh’s celebration after the win, as he pumped his fist in elation. Watch the video here:
Gukesh beats Sindarov with the black pieces,
and with a fist pump!https://t.co/eXqTzH9u11#GrandChessTour pic.twitter.com/ZeFqSKmJZJ
— chess24 (@chess24com) May 6, 2026
Both Gukesh and Sindarov entered this round on the back of defeats. The former had been beaten by Poland’s Radosław Wojtaszek, while Sindarov went down against tournament leader Wesley So of the United States.
“I guess if they throw your king into the crowd, you are allowed to do a little fist-bump, hey,” Anish Giri tweeted, referencing to Hikaru Nakamura’s act after winning a match against Gukesh.
I guess if they throw your king into the crowd, you are allowed to do a little fist-bump, hey. https://t.co/Dp0Q3VQjlO
— Anish Giri (@anishgiri) May 6, 2026
The Caro-Kann Defence was Gukesh’s choice for this round, while Sindarov opted for an unconventional opening, ensuring a dynamic position for the former, something he enjoys.
Gukesh then won a pawn, which offered enough compensation for white and in his bid to look for more, Sindarov launched an attack that boomeranged.
Sindarov had earlier downplayed suggestions that this was a crucial clash ahead of the World Championship match, but his play suggested he was feeling some pressure.
As the match progressed, Gukesh accepted another piece that Sindarov had sacrificed and once the queens were exchanged, the outcome was inevitable. He went on to bag the first victory against his challenger in 52 moves.
Meanwhile, Wesley So continued to lead the field with eight points from his five matches, having won three and drawn two.
