FIDE Circuit 2026-27: Abdusattorov Stays Ahead as Assaubayeva Takes Women’s Lead
The race for qualification through the FIDE Circuit 2026-27 is becoming more exciting after several major tournaments in May.
Abdusattorov Holds Narrow Lead
GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov continues to lead the FIDE Circuit standings. He earned 7.25 circuit points from the TePe Sigeman tournament.
However, GM Javokhir Sindarov is closing the gap quickly. His strong performance at the Super Chess Classic Romania brought him 8.53 points, keeping the battle for the top spot very close.
Caruana Remains Third
GM Fabiano Caruana stays in third place in the standings. His runner-up finishes at Super Rapid and Blitz Poland and the Super Chess Classic Romania helped him collect a total of 28.93 circuit points.
Meanwhile, GM Vincent Keymer made a big jump in the rankings. After winning the Super Chess Classic Romania, he climbed into fourth place and entered the top 10.
Norway Chess Impacts the Standings
The recently concluded Norway Chess 2026 had a major impact on the FIDE Circuit race. Tournament winner GM Praggnanandhaa R and GM Wesley So both moved into the leading group after their impressive performances.
GM Haik Martirosyan and GM Ian Nepomniachtchi also entered the top 10 thanks to strong results at the Sardinia World Chess Festival.
Assaubayeva Takes Control of Women’s Circuit
The FIDE Women’s Circuit standings saw significant changes after Norway Chess Women.
WGM Bibisara Assaubayeva won the event and earned 29.7 circuit points. This outstanding result pushed her to the top of the Women’s Circuit leaderboard.
GM Zhu Jiner also had a successful tournament. She gained 21.6 circuit points and moved up to second place. As a result, former leader GM Vaishali R slipped to third position.
Hnatyshyn Creates a Major Upset
One of the biggest stories of the season came at the European Women’s Individual Championship 2026. WFM Anastasiia Hnatyshyn, seeded only 76th, stunned the field by winning the tournament outright.
The 15-year-old Ukrainian star’s remarkable achievement earned her enough circuit points to jump directly into fourth place in the Women’s Circuit standings.
Savitha Shri Enters Top 10
India’s WGM Savitha Shri B also made a strong move in the rankings. After winning the Asian Women’s Individual Chess Championship, she collected valuable circuit points and secured a place in the Women’s Circuit top 10.
FIDE Circuit Race Continues
With several important tournaments still to come, both the Open and Women’s FIDE Circuit races remain wide open.
Chess fans can expect more exciting battles as players compete for valuable circuit points and a chance to qualify for future elite events.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
