Semifinal Standoff: FIDE World Cup Heats Up With Nail-Biting Draws in Opening Classics

Updated: November 22, 2025 14:56

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The 2025 FIDE World Cup semifinals began without any clear advantage as both classical games concluded in draws. China’s Wei Yi and Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Yakubboev faced tough defenses from their opponents, Andrey Esipenko and Javokhir Sindarov, respectively. The tightly contested matches keep the door open for thrilling finales.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 semifinals, held in Panaji, Goa, have started with intense encounters, but neither of the two pairs of competitors could claim the upper hand in their first classical games on November 21. China’s Grandmaster Wei Yi, playing white against Russia’s Andrey Esipenko, and Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Yakubboev, also with white, against compatriot Javokhir Sindarov, both ended their initial clashes in draws, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.

Wei Yi’s match against Esipenko was a complex battle highlighted by Wei’s aggressive three-pronged attack that was expertly neutralized by Esipenko’s solid defensive play. The game featured a rare variation of the French Defense and, despite Wei’s early pressure and chances, he had to navigate a tense pawn endgame under significant time pressure. Eventually, both players agreed to a draw after 33 moves, leaving the semifinal wide open.

Meanwhile, the all-Uzbek clash between Nodirbek Yakubboev and Javokhir Sindarov was a more straightforward affair, ending in a calm draw after the mandatory 30 moves. Although less dramatic, the outcome was no less significant because one finalist and at least one candidate for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament will emerge from these intense matchups.

Key highlights

- Wei Yi's strong but ultimately contained attacking play against Esipenko’s French Defense setup

- Esipenko’s ability to impose a timely pawn endgame and maintain pressure despite Wei’s time constraints

- Yakubboev and Sindarov’s balanced contest, with a quick agreement on a draw after reaching a secure, balanced position

- The semifinals remain open with no lead, promising high stakes in the upcoming games

- Both matches will resume with second classical games on November 22, with Sindarov and Esipenko playing with the white pieces

- The tournament also functions as a qualifier for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, adding even greater significance to the semifinals

As the competitors reset for the second legs of their respective semifinal ties, all eyes will be on Goa, where tactical brilliance and strategic depth continue to unfold on the chess battlefield. Fans can anticipate gripping encounters where every move could tip the balance and edge a player closer to the coveted Final and the prestigious Candidates Tournament qualification.

Sources: IANS, Firstpost, Telangana Today, ChessBase, FIDE World Cup official website

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