Panaji, November 24
The opening game of the FIDE World Cup 2025 final saw a composed and strategic performance from Chinese Grandmaster Wei Yi, who held Uzbekistan’s GM Javokhir Sindarov to a draw with the black pieces. Meanwhile, in the bronze-medal match, GM Andrey Esipenko registered a crucial victory over GM Nodirbek Yakubboev, strengthening his chances of securing a berth at the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Opening with the black pieces, Wei Yi once again relied on the trusted Petrov Defence, signaling a deep preparation and confidence in his defensive structure. Sindarov, searching for an early edge, was forced to take calculated risks to unbalance the position.
The game transitioned into a bishop-and-pawn endgame, where Wei Yi surprisingly held a slightly superior position. However, the young Uzbek GM defended with precision, navigating multiple threats before both players agreed to a draw after 50 moves.
The final now heads into Game 2 with everything to play for.
In the battle for third place — also significant for the coveted Candidates qualification — Russian GM Andrey Esipenko capitalized on his chances to defeat GM Nodirbek Yakubboev.
Yakubboev opened with the Sicilian Defence, but soon found himself in a difficult middlegame. Though he momentarily equalised after Esipenko made a few questionable decisions, the Uzbek GM was under severe time pressure, with barely three minutes left and more than ten moves to make before time control.
Esipenko maintained composure, playing accurately in the knight-vs-bishop endgame, eventually forcing resignation after 38 moves. The victory means Esipenko now needs only a draw with black in Game 2 to confirm a Candidates spot.
- Final (Game 1):
GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) drew with GM Wei Yi (CHN) — 0.5 : 0.5 - Third Place (Game 1):
GM Andrey Esipenko (FIDE) beat GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) — 1 : 0
The stage is set for an intense Game 2 as Sindarov looks to press with black, while Esipenko seeks to secure one of the most prestigious spots in world chess.
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