Panaji, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Chinese Grandmaster Wei Yi showcased another impressive performance with the black pieces, managing to secure a draw against GM Javokhir Sindarov in the first game of the FIDE World Cup 2025 finals. Meanwhile, in the third-place match held in Panaji, Goa, GM Andrey Esipenko triumphed over GM Nodirbek Yakubboev.

In the opening game of the finals, Wei Yi chose the Petrov Defence with black, compelling Sindarov to assume some risks in pursuit of victory. Remarkably, Wei's strategy nearly paid off as he found himself in a slightly advantageous position during the bishop-pawn endgame. However, Sindarov remained vigilant against Wei's tactics, and the game concluded in a draw after a total of 50 moves. Wei Yi's journey to the finals included a notable victory over India's leading player, Arjun Erigaisi, in the quarterfinals, while other Indian contenders like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Pentala Harikrishna faced earlier exits.

In the third-place showdown, Yakubboev opted for the Sicilian Defence but found himself in a precarious situation during the middle game. Although he managed to equalize the position, he was under severe time constraints, with only three minutes remaining and more than ten moves needed to reach the endgame time control.

Esipenko, who had suffered a semifinal tiebreak loss due to an oversight, kept his composure and ultimately forced Yakubboev to resign after 38 moves. To secure a place in next year's Candidates event, Esipenko now only needs to achieve a draw in the second game while playing with black pieces.

The victor of the Candidates tournament will have the opportunity to challenge India's Gukesh Dommaraju in the World Championship Final next year.

Results:

GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) drew with GM Wei Yi (CHN) 0.5:0.5

GM Andrey Esipenko (FIDE) defeated GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) 1:0