Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan) drew with Alireza Firouzja (France) in the fifth round of Super Chess Classic Romania 2026 in Bucharest. According to Chess.com, Firouzja was close to a third straight loss, but managed to hold the game in the endgame.

Because of an ankle injury, Firouzja was unable to play in the main hall and played the game from his hotel room, lying on the bed. After the game, he noted that the doctor allowed him to compete only in this format.

During the game, the French grandmaster found himself in a difficult position and was behind on the clock, but Sindarov failed to convert his advantage and the game ended peacefully. Chess.com called the Firouzja–Sindarov encounter the game of the day.

All five games of the round ended in draws. Vincent Keymer retained the sole lead with 3.5 points, ahead of the chasing group by half a point. Round six will take place on May 20: Sindarov will face Fabiano Caruana, and Keymer will play Firouzja.