Sindarov makes bold claim on Kasparov comparison as he ditches Carlsen: 'I didn't meet him at his best'

20-year-old Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov has made a bold comment about his playing style after his sensational triumph at the 2026 Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. He drew comparisons with former world champion Garry Kasparov while also naming current world number one Magnus Carlsen.

Speaking in a video shared by FIDE, Sindarov described himself as a "very dynamic player" who enjoys taking on "very hard positions" on the board. He said this attacking and complex style is what makes him feel closest to Kasparov than Carlsen, whom he also described as a very strong player.

"I am a very dynamic player. I always like to play some very hard positions. From this, I'm close to Kasparov. But Kasparov can play every position very good, probably he's like my idol. Even Carlsen, he is a very strong player, but I feel like at some positions he doesn't like where he played. Probably I didn't meet Carlsen at his best, so that's why I feel like this right now," Sindarov said.

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But Sindarov's GOAT is still Carlsen

Earlier, Sindarov had made his admiration for Carlsen clear and also recognised the Norwegian star’s own view of Kasparov as the greatest of all time. When asked to name the 'GOAT' of chess after winning the Candidates earlier this month, Sindarov said, "It’s Carlsen, in my opinion. Carlsen says it’s Kasparov, but I say it’s Carlsen."

Sindarov won the 2026 Candidates to book a place in the FIDE World Chess Championship match against India's D Gukesh later this year. The Uzbek GM showed superb form in the Open section of the competition to finish with 10 points, the highest by a winner in modern Candidates.

Sindarov did not lose a single match in the competition and eventually won the title with one round to go. His next big tournament is the Grand Chess Tour, where he ironically replaced Gukesh after the reigning world champion withdrew to focus more on training.