‘It’s madness’: Viswanathan Anand loses on time after declining draw against Sindarov
Five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand suffered a difficult series of losses at the 2026 Global Chess League, including a frustrating defeat on time against Javokhir Sindarov. Despite holding a positional advantage, Anand struggled with the rapid time control and ultimately blundered in the final stages of the match.
Why it matters
The performance highlights the intense pressure of rapid-format professional chess and the challenges even veteran champions face against emerging young talent.
BENGALURU: Viswanathan Anand’s difficult start to the 2026 Global Chess League took another turn for the worse on Tuesday as the five-time world champion suffered two defeats in a day, the second coming in painful fashion against 20-year-old Javokhir Sindarov.Playing for Alaskan Knights, Anand had already endured a tough Monday, losing on time to World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen before holding Triveni Continental Kings’ Alireza Firouzja to a draw. Tuesday brought little relief. Anand first resigned against Ian Nepomniachtchi earlier in the day and then, in the evening, ran out of time against Sindarov despite having chances to win.The defeat was particularly frustrating because Anand, playing White, had held the advantage at one stage. With the clock becoming an increasingly important factor in this rapid format, however, the veteran struggled to keep control of the position.To make matters worse, Sindarov had offered a draw.
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