FIDE World Cup semifinals head to tiebreak after draws in Panaji

The FIDE World Cup 2025 semifinals will be decided in tiebreaks after both matches ended in draws. Wei Yi held Esipenko under time pressure, while Nodirbek Yakubboev and Javokhir Sindarov also settled for a cautious stalemate in Panaji

Hyderabad: The two semifinals in the FIDE World Cup 2025 will head to a tiebreak after GM Nodirbek Yakubboev and GM Javokhir Sindarov played out yet another drab draw, while GM Andrey Esipenko failed to breach the defence of Chinese GM Wei Yi in Panaji on Saturday.

Just like in the first game, Wei Yi once again found himself in time pressure against Esipenko, this time with black pieces. But the Chinese, known for his calm demeanour under pressure, pulled himself out of trouble with some precise moves to make the time control.

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With very little to play for in terms of a result, Esipenko offered a draw soon after. Though Wei did not take the offer immediately and tried to make inroads with his queen, it was clear that no other result was possible, and he decided to sign the peace pact after 37 moves.

In the other semifinal, the second game between Nodirbek and Sindarov went the same way as the first, as both players were happy to play solid and safe chess till the mandatory 30-move threshold before agreeing to a draw.

The results: GM Andrey Esipenko (FIDE) drew with GM Wei Yi (CHN) (1:1 aggregate) GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) drew with GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) (1:1 aggregate)