GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov leads the 2026 UzChess Cup after five rounds in Tashkent. He has won his last three games following an early loss. Three other grandmasters trail by half a point.
Vokhidov drew with Arjun Erigaisi in round one and lost to Hans Niemann in round two. He then defeated Mukhiddin Madaminov, Nikolas Theodorou, and Ian Nepomniachtchi in succession.
The 10-player round-robin continues daily through June 15. Thirteen of the 20 games played so far have ended decisively. The time control is 90 minutes for 40 moves plus 30 minutes with a 30-second increment.
Nepomniachtchi and Niemann did not shake hands before the event. Their prior match in Belgrade ended 4-4 amid disputes over prize money. Nepomniachtchi later stated that he found Niemann's behavior disrespectful.
Arjun Erigaisi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Madaminov each stand half a point behind the leader. The first prize in the masters section is $20,000.
