Sindarov can’t stop blushing as girlfriend and three-time world blitz champion Bibisara makes first move - WATCH

Bibisara Assaubayeva, the three-time Women’s World Blitz Champion, made a special appearance in Romania as she played the ceremonial first move in the game between Javokhir Sindarov and Anish Giri during Round 4 of the Grand Chess Tour: Super Chess Classic Romania 2026.

The moment quickly grabbed attention for the reaction of Sindarov, who was visibly smiling and blushing as Bibisara made the symbolic first move. The pair recently made their relationship public during the FIDE Candidates 2026, where Sindarov went on to win the event and become the challenger for reigning champion D Gukesh.

Bibisara, who herself impressed in the Women’s Candidates held in Cyprus, narrowly missed out on a spot in the Women’s World Championship after a late comeback from India’s R Vaishali.

Sindarov struggling for form after Candidates

Meanwhile, Sindarov entered the match against Anish Giri after a mixed start to the tournament. He had suffered a defeat to India’s R Praggnanandhaa in Round 3, going down in 42 moves. His earlier rounds had ended in draws, highlighting an inconsistent run since his Candidates triumph.

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Despite beating Gukesh in blitz games at the Super Rapid and Blitz Poland 2026 event earlier this month, Sindarov has also faced setbacks in classical and rapid formats, including losses to both Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa in recent tournaments. Sindarov also admitted a drop in his form after the Candidates.

“After the candidates, I started playing tournaments, which were very strong. Everyone is prepared well, and it’s really very hard. I spent a lot of energy at the Candidates, and maybe I needed a little rest, but okay, I will try to play solid and don’t push a lot,” Sindarov said recently.

Sindarov is currently in the bottom part of the standings at the Super Chess Classic with 1.0 points. Only Bogdan-Daniel Deac and Alireza Firouzja are below him in the table. Maxime-Vachier Lagrave, Anish Giri, Vincent Keymar, Jordan van Foreest, and Praggnandhaa are in the top five of the standings.