Vidit Gujrathi Strikes, Arjun Stays in the Hunt as UzChess Cup Title Race Heats Up

Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi registered a crucial victory while compatriot Arjun Erigaisi remained firmly in contention for the title at the UzChess Cup Masters 2026 , as the prestigious tournament entered its decisive stages in Uzbekistan.

Vidit boosted his campaign with an impressive win over Nikolas Theodorou in the latest round, improving his tally to 2.5 points . Although he remained ninth in the standings, the victory provided a timely lift after a challenging start to the tournament and kept his hopes of a strong finish alive.

Meanwhile, Arjun played out a hard-fought draw against American Grandmaster Hans Moke Niemann to move to 3.5 points from seven rounds . The result leaves the Indian star tied for fourth place and just one point behind the joint leaders , ensuring that he remains firmly in the race for the title.

The tournament is currently being led by Uzbek Grandmasters Shamsiddin Vokhidov and Mukhiddin Madaminov , who share the top spot with 4.5 points each . Both players have emerged as surprise frontrunners in a field packed with elite grandmasters.

Top seed and local favourite Nodirbek Abdusattorov occupies third place with 4 points after drawing with Madaminov in the latest round. The world-class Uzbek remains among the strongest contenders for the championship heading into the final rounds.

Arjun is part of a strong chasing pack on 3.5 points , alongside Niemann, former world championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi , Nodirbek Yakubboev , and veteran Azerbaijani Grandmaster Shakhriyar Mamedyarov . With several rounds still remaining and only a point separating the leaders from the nearest challengers, the title race remains wide open.

The closely contested tournament has already produced several surprises, and with every half-point proving decisive, an exciting finish is on the cards at the UzChess Cup Masters 2026 .