Not Ronaldo Or Messi! Chess Star Javokhir Sindarov Compares Himself To Ex-Belgian Star

Last Updated:April 05, 2026, 15:14 IST

Javokhir Sindarov compares himself to Eden Hazard as lazy but talented while dominating the Candidates chess tournament with a historic lead over rivals.

Uzbek chess grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov has said that he would like to compare himself with former Belgian winger Eden Hazard, saying that he would be a footballer who would be lazy yet talented.

Sindarov continued with his winning ways as he defeated Wei Yi of China in the sixth round of the Candidates chess tournament in Cyprus on Saturday, April 4.

With each round, Sindarov pulled further ahead of the pack, delivering the greatest performance in Candidates Tournament history. After his fifth victory in six matches, he now sits on 5.5 points, waiting on other results.

“If you had to compare yourself to an athlete from another sport, who would it be?" Sindarov was asked while speaking to FIDE.

“It is a hard question. I think someone who really does not like training a lot. Let us say, from footballers, Eden Hazard, maybe. But he has very good talent," Sindarov said.

“You are talented as well," the anchor said.

“Yes, I think I am also," Sindarov replied with a smile. Watch the video here:

R Praggnanandhaa, with three points, trails Sindarov by 2.5, leaving eight games for others to alter the standings. For now, Sindarov appears untouchable.

Sindarov faced an unexpected Bishop opening from Yi but equalised with his black pieces. In the middlegame, the Uzbek sacrificed a poisoned pawn and unleashed a flurry of threats, forcing complications.

The match ended in just 36 moves.

In October 2023, Hazard announced his retirement from professional football at 32. Over a 16-year career, he represented Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid and the Belgium national team.

Renowned for his dribbling, creativity and vision, Hazard is considered one of the best wingers of his generation and among the greatest footballers in Premier League history.

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