Javokhir Sindarov overtook his countryman Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the FIDE Circuit 2026–2027 race following his double victory at the Naroditsky Memorial in Charlotte, USA. Abdusattorov picked up 9.47 points for his runner-up finish at the 2026 Super Rapid and Blitz Croatia, but it was not enough to preserve his lead. It should be noted that Sindarov’s score is the sum of five tournaments, whereas Abdusattorov has played four. Wesley So gained 7.5 circuit points in Charlotte and climbed to the fourth position, while Haik Martirosian earned 12.53 points for his second-place finish at the Open International d’Aix-en-Provence to reach sixth place in the race. Alireza Firouzja made his presence felt after two impressive tournament victories in July. Following his triumphs at the Super Rapid a