Media365
Chinese No. 1 Grandmaster Wei Yi maintained his solid performance with black pieces, securing a draw against GM Javokhir Sindarov in the opening game of the FIDE World Cup 2025 final.In the third-place match, GM Andrey Esipenko claimed victory over GM Nodirbek Yakubboev.Wei Yi chose Petrov’s defence with black pieces in the final’s first game, which compelled Sindarov to take calculated risks for a win. Wei’s strategy proved effective as he gained a slight advantage in the bishop-pawn endgame.
Sindarov demonstrated alertness to his opponent’s tactical challenges, and both players agreed to a draw after 50 moves.In the battle for third place, Yakubboev selected the Sicilian defence but found himself struggling in the middle game.Despite managing to equalise the position against Esipenko with some questionable decisions, Yakubboev faced time pressure with only three minutes remaining and over 10 moves needed to meet the time control. Esipenko, who had previously lost the semifinal tiebreak due to a mistake, maintained his composure throughout the game.He successfully pressured Yakubboev into resignation after 38 moves, placing himself in a favourable position where a draw with black pieces would secure him a spot in the Candidates tournament.
Results of the day
- GM Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan) drew with GM Wei Yi (China) 0.5:0.5
- GM Andrey Esipenko (FIDE) beat GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (Uzbekistan) 1:0
