No Mercy in Tashkent: Uzbeks Dominate the Field at UzChess Cup
The Local Stars of Uzbekistan are on fire at the UzChess Cup Masters 2026; the 4 local players taking part are currently ranked 1st to 4th. Mukhiddin Madaminov is emerging as a 2700 killer, having defeated all 3 opponents with 2700+ ratings. In the 6th round, there were 3 decisive results: Madaminov defeated Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi lost to Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov defeated Nikolas Theodorou. With the current form of the Uzbek stars, the 2026 Chess Olympiad is going to be a fun event to watch. Photo: UzChess Cup
Uzbek Stars Shine Bright
Currently, Uzbekistan players are dominating the chess world. We saw Javokhir Sindarov winning the FIDE Candidates 2026 in style. This year, Nodirbek Abdusattorov already won two super-strong round robin tournaments in Wijk aan Zee and Prague.
Here in Tashkent at the UzChess Cup Masters 2026, Shamsiddin Vokhidov and Mukhiddin Madaminov are co-leading the tournament with 4/6 points, while Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Nodirbek Yakubboev are in 3rd and 4th places, respectively.
The Visitors
In the UzChess Cup Masters, there are 4 local Uzbek players and 6 players from all around the globe. The only players who are increasing their rating after 6 rounds are Uzbek players, while the visitors are losing a combined 33 points! It shows the current strength of Uzbek players in the Chess World.
Check out the Games
Now we bring you all the action of Round 6
Puzzle of the Day
Let's start the day with a nice puzzle. Black just played 23...Nd3. White can get a huge advantage here (Hint: Sacrifice and Initiative). Check the game to find out the best move, or type down the answer in the comment box below!!
Mukhiddin Madaminov vs. Vidit Gujrathi
The Above puzzle is from this game, and this was the 1st time Madaminov was playing against Vidit in an over-the-board chess tournament, and he kept his 2700+ winning streak going on. It was a nice game where Vidit blundered in an equal position, and after that, Madaminov gave Vidit no chance to come back in the game.
Ian Nepomniachtchi vs. Arjun Erigaisi
It was a very double-edged battle between these two players, and Nepo came out on top as he kept the pressure and finished off the game in style.
Replay the Masters Games of Round 6
Standings of Masters
Results of Round 6
Bo. | No. | Rtg |
| White | Result | Black |
| Rtg | No. | PGN | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 10 | 2733 | GM | 1 - 0 | GM | 2761 | 8 | |||||
2 | 9 | 2742 | GM | ½ - ½ | GM | 2777 | 7 | |||||
3 | 1 | 2586 | GM | 1 - 0 | GM | 2708 | 6 | |||||
4 | 2 | 2634 | GM | 0 - 1 | GM | 2717 | 5 | |||||
5 | 3 | 2637 | GM | ½ - ½ | GM | 2689 | 4 |
Round 7 Pairing
Bo. | No. | Rtg |
| White | Result | Black |
| Rtg | No. | PGN | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 | 2689 | GM | GM | 2733 | 10 | ||||||
2 | 5 | 2717 | GM | GM | 2637 | 3 | ||||||
3 | 6 | 2708 | GM | GM | 2634 | 2 | ||||||
4 | 7 | 2777 | GM | GM | 2586 | 1 | ||||||
5 | 8 | 2761 | GM | GM | 2742 | 9 |
Photo Gallery: ChessBase India, Official Photos
Video Gallery: Here
Live Stream
Line Up
Venue: Crowne Plaza
UzChess Cup 2026 is hosted in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a modern playing hall in the heart of Central Asia's fastest-growing chess nation. The venue sits minutes from the city centre, with comfortable spectator seating, a live commentary studio, and dedicated press facilities.
Schedule
The 2026 tournament runs from 7 to 15 June. Rounds start at 15:00 local time/ 15:30 IST, except on the last day when rounds start at 11:00 AM.
Time Control
90min/40moves+30min/end+30sec increment per move starting from move 1
Prize fund
The total prize fund is $150,000
Format
10- Player Round Robin with Classical Time Control
Important Links
UzChess Cup: Official site, Instagram, Twitter, Standings, and Results
Uzbekistan Chess Federation: Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
Related News
