Hikaru Nakamura registers second-longest move in FIDE Candidates history during match vs Javokhir Sindarov
American GM Hikaru Nakamura spent over one hour to make a move during a FIDE Candidates 2026 match against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov on Friday in Cyprus.
To be exact, Nakamura utilised 67 minutes, 44 seconds to make his 13th move of the game. As per Chess.com, only one player has previously used up more time for a move in Candidates history – Russian GM Alexander Grischuk, who took 72 minutes to make a move against China’s Wang Hao in 2021.
Nakamura’s long think was reflective of his position in the game and also his struggling start to the Candidates tournament.
The top-seeded Nakamura was taken aback by a sharp preparation from Sindarov, who is currently in sole lead of the tournament. Despite spending a staggering amount of time, Nakamura chose a move which was flagged by Stockfish engine as an inaccuracy, affecting his game evaluation position.
Heading into the fifth round, Nakamura had just 1.5 points, having lost his opener and then drawn the next three games.
Earlier in the week, he had criticised the excessive anti-cheating measures at the Candidates.
Published on Apr 03, 2026