FIDE World Cup 2025 SF1: Two contrasting draws
Both games of the first Semifinal of FIDE World Cup 2025 ended in draws in under 3 hours and 20 minutes. They were contrasting draws. On one hand, the battle between Nodirbek Yakubboev and Javokhir Sindarov, the All-Uzbek clash was a relatively calm draw. It was definitely a surreal moment for them, as they battled against each other for nearly a decade, both against each other and side-by-side. This is the highest stage they are playing against in terms of individual tournaments, as they have already won Gold at 44th Olympiad. Wei Yi (CHN) and Andrey Esipenko had a relatively much sharper game. Wei found incredible defense to salvage a draw via perpetual check. World's best commentator, GM Peter Leko (HUN) visited the media room after the games, to explain the intricacies of the Wei's defense. Round 7 Game 2 starts tomorrow at 3 p.m. IST. Photos: Shahid Ahmed
Wei's incredible defence on a short day at the office
Wei Yi and Nodirbek Yakubboev continue their unbeaten streak. They both played contrasting draws in the first Semifinal game. It was definitely a huge moment for the players and Uzbekistan as Nodirbek Yakubboev and Javokhir Sindarov clashed with each other. One of them is guaranteed to get into the Finals and at least one of them will qualify to the FIDE Candidates 2026, maximum can be both of them in the next Candidates.
Yakubboev - Sindarov: 0.5-0.5
GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB, 2689) and GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB, 2721) have been competing with each other and side-by-side since childhood. Their earliest game that was found took place in 2016. They played 13 Classical rated games against each other, Sindarov won two, Yakubboev one and the remaining ten ended in draws. Their 14th game was at the highest individual stage they have ever been, Semifinals. It ended in a draw.
Wei - Esipenko: 0.5-0.5
GM Wei Yi (CHN, 2752) and GM Andrey Esipenko (2681) faced each other twice at Aeroflot Open in 2016 and 2019. Wei won both of those games with black pieces. Things have changed a lot since then. Both of them grew stronger. Their third game was a relatively eventful draw, compared to the other game of the Semifinal.
Wei found a way to activate his rook 24.Rf4 Rh3 25.Rd4 Rg8 26.e4 fxe4 27.Qxe4 Qxh5 28.Bxa6!
World's best commentator, GM Peter Leko (HUN) visited the media room after the round got over and explained us the intricacies of the brilliant defence by Wei Yi. 28...e5! threatening Bf5 forced White to play 29.Rd8 Rxd8 30.Rxd8 Ka7 as bxa6 31.Qb4+ ends in a draw via perpetual. 31.Qa4 bxa6 32.Rd7+! Bxd7 33.Qxd7+ and the game ended in a draw via perpetual check. 31...Rh1+ 32.Kc2 would have been fine for White whereas 31...Rh4?? runs into 32.Qa3+- winning for White.
Nodirbek Yakubboev🇺🇿 smiled a little and tried to hold it back before the start of FIDE World Cup 2025 Semifinals 1 / Round 7.1. It is definitely surreal for him that his childhood friend, Javokhir Sindarov, with whom he has battled against and together for nearly a decade, is now his Semifinal opponent. A moment which will be etched in the mind of both players for the rest of their life.
Check out the video below of the above moment
For more photos, please click here.
