The "Last Chance Qualifier" international tournament, held on July 24-26 this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was one of the most important qualifying stages for the World Cup in esports.

The total prize fund of the tournament was $50,000, in which 4 of the strongest chess players were expected to win a ticket to the "Esports World Cup Chess" competition.

The first round of matches took place on July 24-25. Participants were divided into groups "A," "B," "C," and "D," competing in 7 rounds according to the Swiss system.

In the international tournament "Last Chance Qualifier," our grandmasters Nodirbek Yakubboev (2663) took part in group "B," and Javokhir Sindarov (2722) - in group "C."

Nodirbek Yakubboev, after 7 rounds, scored 5 points, took 5th place, and left the tournament according to the rules of the competition.

In Group "C," Javokhir Sindarov scored 5.5 points in 7 rounds and took 3rd place. With this result, he qualified for the playoffs.

Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov, representing Uzbekistan, demonstrated true strength and resilience at all stages of the competition:

• 1/8 finals - victory over Alexey Sarana (2686) with a score of 1.5:0.5;

• Quarter-final - defeated Blitz World Champion Alexander Grischuk with a score of 1.5:0.5;

• Semi-final - the fight with the strong American grandmaster Hans Niemann ended with a score of 2:2;

•But in the decisive match of Armageddon, Sindarov won and qualified for the final stage!