FIDE World Cup 2025 SF2: Tie-breaks to determine the Finalists
FIDE World Cup 2025 finalists will be determined based on tie-breaks. The second Classical game of both Semifinals ended in draws. The All-Uzbek clash between Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Yakubboev ended in less than 90 minutes. It was a calm battle. The other game between Andrey Esipenko and Wei Yi (CHN) seemed like a potential battle, but it all fizzled out into a draw. The game ended when the players decided to repeat moves in a queen and minor piece endgames. This battle lasted a little less than three and a half hours. Semifinals / Round 7 tie-break games start tomorrow at 3 p.m. IST. Photos: Shahid Ahmed
No surprises
The second Semifinal games remind me of Radiohead's popular and favorite song - No surprises. Neither game had any surprises. It is quite understandable when the stakes are so high, neither of the four players would want to take any risk unless they absolutely have to.
Sindarov - Yakubboev: 1-1
The second Classical game between GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB, 2689) and GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB, 2721) was a calm draw. They will play tie-breaks tomorrow.
Esipenko - Wei: 1-1
GM Wei Yi (CHN, 2752) opted for the Petroff's Defence against GM Andrey Esipenko (2681). It seemed like there will be a potential battle. However, it ended in a draw via threefold repetition in a queen and minor piece endgame. Tie-breaks will determine the finalist among them.
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