Javokhir Sindarov has climbed into the world's top 10 in the live classical chess rankings, marking a historic milestone for Uzbekistan. For the first time, two Uzbek players—Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov—are simultaneously among the global elite. This achievement follows a recent ranking update influenced by another player's performance drop.
The latest updates to the FIDE live classical chess rankings, released around March 8, 2026, have propelled Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov into the top 10. According to reports, Sindarov solidified his position after Wesley So, a previous top-10 player, lost 9 rating points following his participation in the Copa America tournament. So's drop opened the door for Sindarov to advance.
This development is particularly significant for Uzbekistan, as it represents the first instance where two of its grandmasters—Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov—have entered the world's top 10 rankings at the same time. Sources describe this as a major event for Uzbek chess, highlighting the country's growing presence on the global stage. Previously, Abdusattorov had been the sole Uzbek in the elite group, but now both players stand among the best.
The achievement underscores the results of dedicated training and systemic support in Uzbekistan's chess development. As one report notes, 'this result is not just a number - it is the result of school, work, and the system.' Looking ahead, the focus for these players is to maintain this level and establish a permanent spot in the top 10.
No specific tournament or match directly triggered this ranking shift, but it reflects ongoing performances in classical chess. Uzbekistan's chess community views this dual entry as a step toward elevating the nation's reputation in the sport.
