FIDE World Cup 2025: Wei-Sindarov final goes into tiebreak; Esipenko beats Yakubboev to seal Candidates spot

PANAJI: The FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 final between GM Wei Yi and GM Javokhir Sindarov will head to a tiebreak after the players opted for a safe draw in the second game as well while GM Andrey Esipenko ensured that at least one Russian will be part of the Candidates after beating Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Yakubboev in the third place play-off here on Tuesday, as per a release from FIDE.

In the clash for the coveted Viswanathan Anand Cup, Wei and Sindarov were not willing to take any risk. Having drawn the opening game with black, the Chinese played the same line his opponent had opted for in the semi-final against Yakubboev and settled for a quick draw after the mandatory 30 moves.

What a day at the FIDE World Cup finals! The spotlight shone brightest on Andrey Esipenko, who delivered under immense pressure. In a must-win game for Nodirbek Yakubboev, it was Esipenko who rose to the moment—taking early control, converting confidently, and securing both third… pic.twitter.com/FMHr9RZ5CN

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) November 25, 2025

The play-off for the third place was a much lively affair as Yakubboev took risks to find a win after losing the opening game against Esipenko on Monday. His strategy handed the initiative to Esipenko by the 11th move and the Russian, representing FIDE, drove home the advantage and forced Yakubboev to resign after 26 moves.

“It feels good to have qualified for the Candidates. Today, it was a very difficult game to play at this stage. I could not even calculate anything. I was just putting my pieces in place. It was important to win the first game and then he needed a must win,” said Esipenko after qualifying for the Candidates, as quoted from a release by FIDE. (ANI)