D Gukesh's Viral 'Fist Pump' Explained After Beating Javokhir Sindarov: 'Felt Really Good'

Last Updated:May 07, 2026, 08:01 IST

World champion Dommaraju Gukesh beats Javokhir Sindarov in Round 5 at Super Rapid and Blitz Poland 2026, rising to fifth in rapid standings ahead of their title clash.

Reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh delivered a statement victory over Uzbek challenger Javokhir Sindarov in Round 5 of the Grand Chess Tour: Super Rapid and Blitz Poland 2026 on Wednesday, strengthening his position ahead of their highly anticipated World Championship clash later this year.

Playing with the black pieces in Warsaw, Gukesh outclassed Sindarov in 52 moves to climb to fifth place in the rapid standings with 5.0 points. Sindarov, who arrived in red-hot form after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year, slipped to sixth with 4.0 points.

“I guess for both of us, I know also from the previous experience when I played Ding before the match, there’s always something going on. It’s a nice feeling," Gukesh said after the game.

The encounter carried extra significance because Sindarov is set to challenge Gukesh for the world title later this year. Questions had also been raised about the Indian teenager’s recent results, especially after a difficult run since becoming world champion in December 2024. Several chess legends had openly backed Sindarov ahead of the upcoming title match, adding further intrigue to Wednesday’s showdown.

What made the win even more memorable was Gukesh’s emotional reaction after Sindarov resigned. Known for maintaining a calm expression even in tense moments, the 19-year-old punched the air in celebration — a rare public display of emotion that immediately drew attention across the chess world.

Watch:

Celebration Explained

“That fist pump was for myself," Gukesh, barely able to contain a smile, told the Saint Louis Chess Club in an interview after the day ended. “It felt really good to win. In the heat of the moment, I did something."

The turning point came when Sindarov blundered his knight on move 25 and also found himself under severe time pressure. Gukesh steadily converted the advantage, refusing to allow his opponent any way back into the game.

“But obviously, when you play games like these there is always something running behind. It’s a nice feeling," he added, his smile no longer hidden.

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