Praggnanandhaa overcomes Sindarov in Sinquefield Cup round two

R Praggnanandhaa defeated Javokhir Sindarov in St. Louis in the second round of the Sinquefield Cup on August 13, 2026, recording his first win of the tournament, the penultimate event of the Grand Chess Tour.

Praggnanandhaa pressed in an endgame that arose from a queen pawn opening, gradually converting small advantages until Sindarov’s position collapsed; the contest lasted 95 moves. Sindarov, who will be up against world champion D Gukesh later this year for the world crown, reached an ostensibly equal endgame that appeared drawable but was broken down by Praggnanandhaa’s persistent play.

The victory took Praggnanandhaa to 1.5 points from two games. Overnight leader Fabiano Caruana of the United States was the only player to reach a peaceful result in the round, drawing with Anish Giri of Holland, with Caruana employing the black pieces against a Dutchman noted in the report for deep opening preparation.

Round two produced four decisive results after only one decisive game in the opening round. Levon Aronian of the United States, Wesley So of the United States and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France all scored wins alongside Praggnanandhaa, changing the leaderboard dynamic.

Results Round 2: R Praggnanandhaa (I.5, Ind) beat Javokhir Sindarov (0.5, Uzb); Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 1.5) beat Savian Samuels (Usa, 0.5); Levon Aronian (Arm, 1.5) beat Vincent Leymer (Ger, 0.5); Wesley So (Usa, 1.5) beat Jorden Van Foreest (Ned, 0).

Five players share the lead on 1.5 points apiece with seven rounds still to be played in the 475000 USD prize-money tournament. The three Americans—Caruana, Aronian and Wesley—sit alongside Praggnanandhaa and Vachier-Lagrave at the top of the standings.

With seven rounds remaining in the Sinquefield Cup, the cluster of leaders all on 1.5 points leaves the front positions open, and it remains to be seen who is going to call the shots.