D Gukesh’s Viral Celebration (Screengrab)
New Delhi: 2026 World Chess Championship contender Javokhir Sindarov finally got his revenge on De Gokisch at the Grand Chess Tour Super Rapid and Blitz event in Warsaw, defeating the world champion in their first-ever blitz encounter on Friday.The win came just two days after Gokisch beat Sindarov in a game of rapid chess, a result memorable for the Indian’s rare emotional reaction to the board. Jokic, known for his calm and unreadable expressions during matches, had surprised fans by celebrating with fist pumps moments after his victory over the Uzbek teenager earlier in the tournament.This reaction quickly spread in chess circles, especially since Sindarov is set to challenge Jokis for the world championship later this year.
The growing rivalry between the two young stars has become one of the biggest talking points in world chess.But on Friday, Sindarov responded in the best possible way, with a dominant victory. In contrast to Jokish’s emotional celebration earlier in the week, the Uzbek master did not react much after winning the eighth round of the Super Blitz bracket. However, after the win, there was no emotional celebration from the Uzbek, as it was just a firm handshake.
The calm response added another layer to what was quickly becoming a fascinating psychological battle between the pair.He watches:
Their rivalry had already intensified after Gokish’s quick victory earlier. Playing with the black pieces earlier in that match, the Indian got into Caro-Kann’s sharp defense and gradually took complete control of the ball. He neutralized Sindarov’s attacking ideas, gathered material and comfortably converted the advantage in 52 moves.This win was particularly important for Jokic after questions arose about his level following a shock defeat to Poland’s Radoslaw Wojtasek earlier in the tournament.
Now, with one win each, the score between the two rising stars is level again ahead of Saturday’s final showdown in Warsaw. With pride, momentum and perhaps an early psychological advantage at stake heading into the world championship showdown, the final showdown promises plenty of drama.
