Wei Yi, Nodirbek-Sindarov Draw Semifinal Games at FIDE World Cup

A tense day at the FIDE World Cup ended with both semifinal matches finishing in draws on Friday, pushing the fight into rapid tiebreak games. The players were seen choosing safe and steady moves, making sure no early mistakes were made in this high-pressure knockout event.

Top seed Wei Yi of China played carefully against Russian player Andrey Esipenko. Both followed solid plans and avoided risky positions. The game gradually moved into an even endgame, and a draw was agreed. Their place in the final will now be decided in the faster rapid round, where quick thinking becomes crucial.

The all-Uzbek match between Nodirbek Yakubboev and Javokhir Sindarov ended in a similar manner. Both were seen protecting their positions throughout the game, not allowing any major chances. Their semifinal will also be decided in rapid time controls, where pressure and speed can quickly change the direction of the match.

The stands were less crowded, as no Indian players remained in the tournament. India’s last hope, Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, had been knocked out earlier by Wei Yi in a close tiebreak, ending India’s run in the event. The FIDE World Cup, which has a prize fund of USD 2 million, will now move into the rapid rounds. These games are expected to be more intense, as a single mistake could decide who reaches the final.