R Pragulanand defeats Javokhir Sindarov in Sinclair Cup

Indian Grandmaster R Pragulanand secured his first victory of the 2026 Sinclair Cup in the second round, defeating World Championship Challenger Javokhir Sindarov. Following an initial draw against Sam Savian, Pragulanand's win brings his total to 1.5/2 points, placing him in a five-player leaders' group.

The marathon match lasted six hours and concluded in 95 moves. After a series of exchanges, the game entered a rook-and-knight endgame where Pragulanand maintained pressure. A mistake by Sindarov at move 82 allowed Pragulanand to secure the advantage and the win.

The Sinclair Cup serves as the final regular-season stop of the Grand Chess Tour. Pragulanand is scheduled to face Vincent Keymer in the third round.