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.
