NewKerala.com

FIDE World Cup 2025: Both Semifinals Head to Tense Tiebreak After Draws

Both FIDE World Cup 2025 semifinals are heading to tiebreaks after another day of draws. Wei Yi managed to survive time pressure against Andrey Esipenko with precise defensive moves. Meanwhile, Nodirbek Yakubboev and Javokhir Sindarov played solid chess until reaching the mandatory 30-move threshold before agreeing to their draw. The tournament also saw Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary visiting and supporting chess integration into India's education system.

Key Points: FIDE World Cup Semifinals Head to Tiebreak After Draws

  • Wei Yi survives time pressure against Esipenko with precise defensive moves
  • Both semifinal pairs draw for second consecutive game
  • Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary supports chess integration in education
  • FIDE announces 2026 as Year of Chess in Education initiative
  • KIIT University to host International Conference on Social Chess in 2026
  • Players reach mandatory 30-move threshold before agreeing to draws
2 min read

FIDE World Cup 2025: Both semifinals head to tiebreak after another day of draws

Both FIDE World Cup 2025 semifinals head to tiebreaks after Wei Yi and Esipenko draw, while Yakubboev and Sindarov also end in stalemate in Panaji.

"The government was keen that, under the new education policy, sports be integrated into the academic curriculum - Jayant Chaudhary"

Panaji, November 22

Both the semifinals in the FIDE World Cup 2025 will head to a tiebreak after GM Nodirbek Yakubboev and GM Javokhir Sindarov played out yet another draw, while GM Andrey Esipenko failed to breach the defence of Chinese GM Wei Yei here on Saturday, as per a release from FIDE.

Just like in the first game, Wei Yi once again found himself in time pressure against Esipenko, this time with black pieces. But the Chinese, who is known for his calm demeanour under pressure, pulled himself out of the hole with some precise moves to make the time control.

With very little to play for in terms of a result, Esipenko offered a draw soon after. Though Wei did not take the offer immediately and tried to make inroads with his queen, it was quite clear that no other result was possible, and he decided to sign the peace pact after 37 moves.

In the other semifinal, the second game between Nordirbek and Sindarov went the same way as the first, as both the players were happy to play solid and safe chess till the mandatory 30-move threshold before agreeing to a draw.

Earlier, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Education Jayant Chaudhary visited the FIDE World Cup 2025 and made a ceremonial move during the quarterfinal tiebreak, saying the government was keen that, under the new education policy, sports be integrated into the academic curriculum and not remain an extracurricular activity.

FIDE has already announced 2026 as the Year of Chess in Education, and Chaudhary extended complete support of his ministry to implement any programmes that AICF and FIDE plan in India.

Recently, FIDE and AICF signed an MoU with KIIT University to promote the value of chess in society and education. As part of the agreement, an International Conference on Social Chess and Educational Chess will be held in January 2026 in Bhubaneswar, hosted by KIIT University as part of FIDE's global initiative to explore how chess can foster social inclusion and educational innovation.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Really appreciate the government's initiative to integrate chess into education. As a teacher, I've seen how chess improves children's concentration and logical thinking. This is a fantastic step forward for India's education system!
A
Arjun K
Wei Yi's composure under time pressure is incredible! That's what separates champions from regular players. Wish we had more Indian players in these top tournaments though. Where are our Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa?
S
Sarah B
The tiebreak format is much more exciting than these classical draws. At this level, players are so evenly matched that they often play safe. Looking forward to faster time controls bringing out more creative play!
V
Vikram M
While I support chess in education, I hope the implementation is practical. Our schools already struggle with basic infrastructure. Hope this doesn't become another paperwork exercise without proper training for teachers.
A
Ananya R
Great to see KIIT University taking initiative with the international conference! Bhubaneswar is becoming a real chess hub in India. Hope this inspires more universities across the country to promote chess. ♟️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50