04.04.2026 17:10
A rare moment in the chess world occurred during the 2026 World Chess Championship Candidates Tournament. Hikaru Nakamura, one of the best in the world, made history by thinking for 67 minutes and 44 seconds on a single move in a critical position. However, this record-level thinking time was not enough to change the outcome of the game. His opponent, Javokhir Sindarov, seized the advantage with an effective counter-move found in just a few minutes, winning the match.
Hikaru Nakamura, who is considered one of the strongest chess players in the world, made a historic move in the tournament he participated in. In a critical position, Nakamura thought for a full 67 minutes and 44 seconds for a single move.
THE HISTORIC THINKING TIME
Nakamura's long wait was recorded as one of the rare moments in the chess world.
The duration of 67 minutes and 44 seconds became the second longest thinking time measured for a single move in chess history.
CRITICAL POSITION, DIFFICULT DECISION
In this part of the match, the balance on the board was extremely delicate. The grandmaster thought deeply for a long time to calculate all possible variations and find the most accurate move.
TIRED WHILE WAITING FOR THE OPPONENT
In the fifth round of the 2026 World Chess Championship Candidates Tournament (played on the evening of April 3-4), 20-year-old Javokhir Sindarov waited for 67 minutes to make Nakamura's 13th move.
During the long wait, Sindarov appeared sleepy and distracted.
FINISHED THE MATCH IN 2 MINUTES
Immediately after Nakamura made his move, the situation changed completely.
Javokhir Sindarov launched a strong attack by finding the most accurate counter-move in just two minutes.
This quick and effective response eliminated Nakamura's chance of resistance.