Nodirbek Yakubboev wins Prague Challengers 2025 on tie-breaks

GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) drew with IM Vaclav Finek (CZE) in the final round of Prague International Chess Festival 2025 Challengers. It allowed GM Jonas Buhl Bjerre (DEN) to catch up as he defeated FM Jachym Nemec (CZE). Both Yakubboev and Jonas ended up scoring 7/9 each. In this festival, both Masters and Challengers first place is resolved via tie-breaks. After a 150-move long battle, the first 5'+3" tie-break ended in a draw. It could have gone either player's way. However, Yakubboev won the second tie-break game convincingly to become the champion. Thus, earning himself a place in the Masters next year. IM Divya Deshmukh finished the tournament on a winning note. She defeated GM Stamatis Kourkoulos-Arditis (GRE) in the last round. Photo: Petr Vrabec/Prague International Chess Festival