Tag: FIDE World Cup 2025

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

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

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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

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.

Sports

FIDE World Cup 2025: Arjun Erigaisi, P Harikrishna Draw Opening Game of Round 5

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Photo Credit – Eteri Kublashvili / FIDE

Panaji, November 14: GM Arjun Erigaisi’s determined attempts to push for victory against GM Levon Aronian did not yield a breakthrough, while GM P Harikrishna opted for a safe and steady draw against GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara as Round 5 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 began in Panaji on Friday.

Playing with the white pieces, Arjun entered a complex double rook endgame where he held a slight edge. However, Aronian defended resourcefully, surviving a long think on his 21st move and steering the game back to equality. After 41 moves, the players agreed to a draw, leaving the second classical game on Saturday as the decider—this time with Aronian enjoying the white pieces.

Harikrishna, meanwhile, ensured a smooth day at the office. Facing giant-killer Alcantara, who has impressed in the tournament so far, the Indian GM maintained precise play with black. Both players quickly traded into a rook–pawn endgame and settled for a draw after 41 moves.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 began with 206 players from 82 countries, including a strong contingent of 24 Indian participants. After four gruelling rounds, only Arjun and Harikrishna remain in the chase for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Trophy and the coveted Candidates spots.

At the time of reporting, six of the eight Round 5 matches had ended in draws, setting up an intense second classical game.

Indian Results (Round 5, Game 1)

  • GM Arjun Erigaisi drew with GM Levon Aronian — 0.5 : 0.5
  • GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara drew with GM P Harikrishna — 0.5 : 0.5
Sports

FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 Returns to India After 23 Years, to Be Held in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The global spotlight returns to India as the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to unfold in the scenic coastal state of Goa, marking a monumental return of the tournament to Indian soil after over two decades. Scheduled from October 31 to November 27, the event will be hosted at the plush Resort Rio in Bardez, Arpora — a venue that blends luxury with Goa’s laid-back coastal charm.

A total of 206 elite players from 82 countries will vie for a share of the impressive $2 million prize fund in a nail-biting knockout format. But the stakes go beyond the prize money — the top three finishers will earn a golden ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.

Among the notable contenders are household names in world chess: Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Anish Giri, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, Wesley So, Richard Rapport, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin. A special highlight will be 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, who is set to become the youngest participant in the tournament’s history.

Indian chess fans have another reason to celebrate with the inclusion of Divya Deshmukh in the Open Section through a wildcard entry, marking a significant step for Indian women in elite chess.

The tournament’s return to India underlines the country’s rapid rise in the global chess hierarchy — not just as a breeding ground for prodigies, but as a serious stage for international events. With recent triumphs from Indian grandmasters and increasing national interest, India is poised to redefine its place on the global chess map.

Adding to the excitement is a culturally immersive logo that blends Goa’s signature symbols — a palm tree swaying over a blue wave, a red checkered chessboard, and a yellow sun radiating warmth — creating a visual identity that is as vibrant as the host state itself.

Further elevating the spirit is the official anthem, sung by iconic Indian artist Daler Mehendi. The song celebrates India not only as a host but as a protagonist in global chess. Through the lens of key players — Tania Sachdev, Gukesh, Humpy Koneru, and Vidit — the anthem embodies the pillars of Indian chess: talent, tradition, intellect, and inspiration.

With the perfect blend of tradition, talent, and tropical beauty, the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa is set to be more than a tournament — it will be a celebration of chess, culture, and India’s enduring rise on the global stage.