Wei Yi holds Sindarov in final opener; Esipenko wins third-place match

Chinese GM Wei Yi held GM Javokhir Sindarov to a draw in the opening game of the FIDE World Cup 2025 final. GM Andrey Esipenko defeated GM Nodirbek Yakubboev in the third-place play-off in Panaji, Goa

Hyderabad: Chinese GM Wei Yi played another solid game with black pieces to hold GM Javokhir Sindarov to a draw in the opening game of the FIDE World Cup 2025 final, while GM Andrey Esipenko defeated GM Nodirbek Yakubboev in the third-place match in Panaji (Goa) on Monday.

In the first game of the final, Wei once again opted for the Petrov Defence with black and made Sindarov take risks in search of a win.

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Wei’s plan almost worked as the Chinese GM was in a slightly stronger position in the bishop-pawn endgame. But Sindarov was alert to the challenges posed by his opponent, and the two players agreed to a draw after 50 moves.

In the third-place play-off, GM Nodirbek Yakubboev chose the Sicilian Defence and had to dig himself out of a hole in the middle game.

Though he managed to equalise the position with Esipenko making some questionable choices, the Uzbekistan GM was under severe time trouble with just three minutes left on the clock and more than 10 moves to play before the time control in the endgame.

Esipenko, who had lost the semifinal tiebreak due to a blunder, kept his cool and forced Yakubboev to resign after 38 moves. He now needs only a draw with black to assure himself a Candidates spot.

The results: GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) drew with GM Wei Yi (CHN) 0.5–0.5; GM Andrey Esipenko (FIDE) beat GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) 1–0.