FIDE World Cup Semifinals Begin With Intense Draws
After a quiet rest day, the FIDE World Cup players returned to the hall where they have been fighting for nearly three weeks. A new and elevated stage setup welcomed the final four players, fitting for the drama the semifinals promise to bring.
Game 1 of the semifinals ended in two draws, but both battles were full of deep preparation, time pressure, and brilliant moves.
The matchups were:
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Wei Yi vs Andrey Esipenko
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Nodirbek Yakubboev vs Javokhir Sindarov
Although both games finished peacefully, the chess was loud and full of surprises.
Quiet Hall, Heavy Pressure
Wei Yi was the first to arrive as usual, calm and focused. Esipenko soon followed. Yakubboev walked in with his trademark five bottles of water. Sindarov made it just in time, slightly rushed but composed.
The ceremonial first move was made by Mr. Anup Shah and Mrs. Alpa Shah from Resort Rio Goa, who have hosted the players throughout the event.
This World Cup has been a tough journey. As GM Fabiano Caruana pointed out, only three players leave this tournament truly happy — the ones who qualify for the FIDE Candidates. One of the four semifinal players will soon join the long list of eliminated competitors. That reality adds extra tension to every move on the board.
Wei Yi Survives a Prepared Esipenko
Esipenko shocked everyone by playing the French Defense, the same opening Wei Yi had used successfully earlier in the quarterfinals. This surprise worked well as Black reached a better position with more time on the clock.
Wei Yi was struggling, and things looked difficult. But a single moment changed everything.
Esipenko missed a precise defensive move, and Wei Yi immediately responded with the stunning sacrifice 28.Bxa6!
This move turned the tables. Another only-move masterpiece, 31.Qa4!, forced a repetition and saved the game for Wei Yi. The first semifinal game ended in a draw, but with huge drama.
Yakubboev vs Sindarov: A Calm Strategic Battle
Sindarov arrived late but played with confidence. He even high-fived Esipenko on the way! Yakubboev came well-prepared after two rest days and aimed for a small advantage in the Semi-Slav Defense.
Both players were extremely accurate. Even though White looked like the only one who could push, the position simplified into an equal endgame. Sindarov offered a draw on move 30, and Yakubboev accepted. Their accuracy ratings were outstanding — 99% and 100%!
Sindarov will play with the white pieces tomorrow, and it will be interesting to see if he brings something special to surprise his teammate.
What’s Next?
The players return on Saturday, November 22, for the second classical game of the semifinals. The fight is far from over. Which of these four stars will take the lead? Caissa, the goddess of chess, will decide soon.
You can follow the action live on the official FIDE YouTube channel, with expert commentary from GM Jan Gustafsson and GM Peter Leko.
Photos: Michal Walusza, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
