Will the FIDE World Cup 2025 Final Between Wei Yi and Sindarov End in a Tiebreak?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The FIDE World Cup final is heading to a tiebreak after a cautious draw.
- GM Andrey Esipenko has qualified for the Candidates Tournament.
- Players are employing strategic caution in high-stakes matches.
- The competition showcases the global chess talent.
- The outcome of the tiebreak will be crucial for both finalists.
Panaji, Nov 25 (NationPress) The grand finale of the FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 between GM Wei Yi and GM Javokhir Sindarov is set to proceed to a tiebreak after both players chose to secure a draw in the second game. Meanwhile, GM Andrey Esipenko has confirmed that at least one Russian player will compete in the Candidates, following his victory over Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Yakubboev in the third-place playoff.
In pursuit of the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Cup, the match between Wei and Sindarov saw both players exercising caution. After the opening game ended in a draw with black, the Chinese contender mirrored the strategy employed by his opponent in the semifinals against Yakubboev, resulting in a swift draw after the required 30 moves.
Conversely, the playoff for third place was far more intense, with Yakubboev taking risks in an attempt to secure a win after his initial loss to Esipenko on Monday.
However, his aggressive tactics handed the advantage to Esipenko by the 11th move, allowing the Russian, representing FIDE, to solidify his lead and compel Yakubboev to resign after just 26 moves.
“I’m thrilled to have qualified for the Candidates. Today’s game was incredibly challenging. I couldn’t even think ahead; I focused on positioning my pieces. Winning the first game was crucial, and then it became a must-win for him,” Esipenko remarked after his qualification for the Candidates.