FIDE World Cup: Wei Yi Draws With Sindarov In Game 1 Of Final; Esipenko Defeats Yakubboev

Sindarov and Wei Yi called it a day, splitting the exploits with a draw in Game 1 (FIDE Media)

Chinese GM Wei Yi stayed ice-cold with the black pieces as he held GM Javokhir Sindarov to a controlled draw in Game 1 of the Chess World Cup final on Monday, while GM Andrey Esipenko claimed a crucial win over GM Nodirbek Yakubboev in the battle for third place.

Wei’s Wall Holds Firm

Sticking to his trusted Petrov Defence, Wei once again invited Sindarov to take the risks. The plan nearly paid off.

After steering the game into a bishop-and-pawn endgame, Wei even held the slightly superior position. But Sindarov stayed sharp, neutralising the pressure until both agreed to split the point after 50 moves.

With everything still level, the World Cup final now moves into a high-stakes second classical game.

Esipenko Strikes Back

In the third-place playoff, Yakubboev opted for the Sicilian but soon found himself under serious fire.

Despite Esipenko letting him off the hook with a few shaky decisions, the Uzbek star landed in deep time trouble — just three minutes left with over ten moves to reach time control.

This time, Esipenko didn’t blink.

Fresh off a painful semifinal tiebreak blunder, he stayed composed and dragged Yakubboev into a losing endgame, forcing resignation after 38 moves.

The win means Esipenko now needs just a draw with Black in Game 2 to secure a coveted Candidates spot.

Results

• GM Javakhir Sindarov (UZB) ½–½ GM Wei Yi (CHN)
• GM Andrei Esipenko (FIDE) 1–0 GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB)

(with PTI inputs)