Tag: Chess

Sports

Sindarov Becomes Youngest FIDE World Cup Champion After Beating Wei Yi in Tiebreak

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Uzbekistan’s rising chess star, 19-year-old Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov, scripted a memorable chapter in Panaji by becoming the youngest-ever FIDE World Cup champion after defeating China’s GM Wei Yi in the second rapid game of the tiebreak. Sindarov, who entered the final against an undefeated Wei, held his ground with two quick draws in the classical games before banking on his rapid-play strength to secure the title.

The match saw Wei maintain his trademark solidity, including an early moment in the first tiebreak game where Sindarov briefly had a winning sequence in a bishop-pawn endgame but was unable to convert. However, the second rapid game marked a decisive shift. Sindarov began exerting sustained pressure on Wei’s kingside, gradually tightening the position until his queen pinned the Chinese grandmaster’s king, leaving no room for defense. Wei resigned after the 60th move, handing Sindarov not only the championship but also the honor of becoming the first Uzbek player to win the World Cup and the newly christened Viswanathan Anand Cup, along with a prize purse of $120,000.

Reflecting on his victory, Sindarov shared that his objective was to remain solid regardless of the rapid time control and seize opportunities when they came. He sensed his opponent’s lack of confidence in the second game, even offering a draw that Wei declined in pursuit of a win. With time running out for the Chinese grandmaster, Sindarov’s attack proved decisive. Calling the win just the start of his career, he expressed his ambition to reach the 2750 rating mark and set his sights on future world championships, including the Candidates 2026, for which this event awarded three spots. Sindarov also highlighted his fondness for playing in India, noting that the country has brought him significant success, from winning the Olympiad during his last visit to now claiming the World Cup. He predicted a fierce competitive future between India and Uzbekistan in international chess, as both nations continue to nurture strong emerging talent. This victory marks a new milestone for Sindarov and sets the stage for an exciting next chapter in his chess journey.

Sports

High Drama in Goa: Esipenko Clinches Third as Wei Yi and Sindarov March to Tiebreak Showdown

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The 2025 FIDE World Cup finals delivered another gripping day in Goa, shaped by contrasting pressures on the boards. Javokhir Sindarov and Wei Yi entered with a calm understanding that a draw was the most probable outcome, one that would extend their battle into tiebreaks. That prediction proved accurate as their game ended quietly in under half an hour, both players conserving energy for the decisive day ahead.

On the adjacent board, the situation was far more tense. Nodirbek Yakubboev needed nothing less than a win to stay alive in the match for third place, but the burden of that requirement weighed heavily. Facing Andrey Esipenko, he chose an ambitious Neo-Catalan setup, but his early optimism faded when a single misjudged move—11.Bxd5—shifted the entire momentum. The decision surrendered the crucial light-squared bishop, a point immediately highlighted by GM Peter Leko in the commentary room, and the resulting loss of control allowed Esipenko to seize the initiative without hesitation. After precise replies including the strong …b5 and …Bb7 ideas, White’s position deteriorated rapidly. Even the tempting but poisonous capture on a8 failed tactically, and Yakubboev instead tried to navigate the complications with 13.Nf3, but by then the damage was irreparable.

What followed was a model positional display by Esipenko. He ignored computer-heavy lines in favor of natural, harmonious piece placement reminiscent of Capablanca’s elegant style. Every move strengthened his grip while limiting counterplay, and the final sequence—beginning with 24…Nc1 and culminating in an unstoppable mating net—was both clinical and aesthetically striking. With this victory, Esipenko secured third place outright, earning his spot in the 2026 Candidates and leaving the board visibly relieved after a taxing match.

Meanwhile, the final between Wei Yi and Sindarov featured another Rubinstein Variation of the Four Knights Spanish, a line well known for its symmetrical stability. Both players blitzed through their preparation and showed little interest in testing each other in the classical stage, signaling that the real battle awaits in tomorrow’s tiebreaks.

As the finalists prepare, their journeys to this moment highlight the strength and ambition of the new generation. Wei Yi, long acclaimed for his attacking brilliance and creativity, has reaffirmed his form throughout this event, adding to a career already decorated with national titles, Olympiad golds, and elite-level victories. His path through the tournament featured consistent excellence across formats, including key wins over top talents such as Arjun Erigaisi and Andrey Esipenko.

Sindarov, one of Uzbekistan’s brightest stars and a central figure in their Olympiad champion squad, has enjoyed a breakout year marked by major tournament victories and a near-2800 performance at the World Rapid Team Championship. Reaching the final in Goa stands as the biggest achievement of his career so far, underscoring his rise among the world’s elite. His road to the final included victories over experienced grandmasters and a particularly memorable quarterfinal marathon.

Both finalists have already secured their places in the 2026 Candidates, but tomorrow brings a different prize: the right to lift the Vishwanathan Anand Trophy and claim one of the most prestigious titles in modern chess. With the tiebreaks beginning at 15:00, all eyes will be on Goa as Wei Yi and Sindarov prepare for the decisive clash. The stage is set for a dramatic finish—one worthy of the tournament’s remarkable journey.

Sports

FIDE World Cup 2025: Solid Start for Wei Yi as Esipenko Gains Edge for Candidates Spot

allycaralgoa

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.

Sports

World Cup 2025: Arjun–Wei Quarterfinal Goes to Tiebreak; Nodirbek Reaches Semis

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The FIDE World Cup 2025 continued to produce tense battles as GM Arjun Erigaisi and GM Wei Yi drew their second classical game, sending their quarterfinal match into a rapid tiebreak. After a quick draw with Black on Monday, Arjun pressed harder with White and managed to gain a promising advantage in the middle game.

Engines even suggested a decisive bishop sacrifice that could have tilted the match in his favor, but Arjun opted for the quieter Qd2, allowing Wei Yi to regroup and defend accurately. With the classical segment ending 1–1, Arjun will begin the tiebreak with the Black pieces and is still considered one of the favourites in the faster format.

Two more quarterfinals are also headed to tiebreaks. GM Andrey Esipenko and GM Sam Shankland split the point after 37 moves, while GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara and GM Javokhir Sindarov wrapped up their game in just 18 minutes, agreeing to a draw after 25 moves to level the match.

The only decisive qualification of the day came from Uzbekistan’s GM Nodirbek Yakubboev, who secured his semifinal spot with a composed 57-move draw against GM Alexander Donchenko, having already won the first game with White. With one semifinalist confirmed and three spots still up for grabs, the tiebreaks promise high-stakes action as the tournament intensifies.

Sports

P. Harikrishna Knocked Out in Round 5 Tiebreak at FIDE World Cup 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

India’s journey at the FIDE World Cup 2025 narrowed to a single contender after GM P Harikrishna was knocked out in the Round 5 tiebreaks by GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara. While both classical games between the two ended in draws, Harikrishna entered the rapid playoff needing to break the deadlock.

The first two rapid games with a 15-minute time control also resulted in draws, pushing the match into the next set of rapid games with a 10-minute time control. Playing with white, Harikrishna pressed for a win and came prepared, even gaining almost a minute on his clock after the opening phase. However, Martinez responded precisely, and the situation gradually shifted in the Peruvian’s favour after Harikrishna traded queens. The game transitioned into a rook-and-pawn endgame, where Martinez maintained steady pressure and eventually secured victory after 59 moves.

Harikrishna then faced a must-win scenario with black in the second rapid game. Despite his efforts, he was unable to break through Martinez’s defence and had to settle for a draw, ending his campaign in the 30-move encounter. With his elimination, India’s hopes now rest on second seed GM Arjun Erigaisi, who earlier produced a commanding performance in Round 5 by defeating two-time World Cup champion GM Levon Aronian 1.5–0.5 in the classical games. Arjun now advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face China’s formidable GM Wei Yi.

Elsewhere in the tournament, GM Sam Shankland advanced after defeating former world rapid champion GM Daniil Dubov, while GM Andrey Esipenko secured his spot by winning with white and drawing with black against GM Aleksey Grebnev. The final quarterfinal position was claimed by Germany’s GM Alexander Donchenko, who overcame GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam in a tense tiebreak.

The quarterfinal lineup for Monday is now set: Arjun Erigaisi vs Wei Yi, Sam Shankland vs Andrey Esipenko, Jose Martinez Alcantara vs Javokhir Sindarov, and Alexander Donchenko completing the roster. India will be watching closely as Arjun enters the next stage, carrying the nation’s hopes forward.