Sindarov sets up an All-Uzbek historic Semifinal clash against Yakubboev
The Semifinal lineup will see an All-Uzbek clash. It means one Uzbek is guaranteed to be in the Finals and also FIDE Candidates 2026. Wei Yi has also advanced to the Semifinal for the first time in his career.
Sindarov - Jose: 3.5-2.5
GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara (MEX) struck first against GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) in the first 15'+10" Rapid tie-break game. Sindarov bounced back by winning on demand in the second game. He played a beautiful game in the English opening.
Sindarov - Jose, Game 4
Sindarov played an absolute cracker of a game to score the equalizer and stay in the match.
The first 10'+10" Rapid tie-break ended in a well contested draw. Sindarov won the next game to win the match and secure his place in the Semifinals. He will clash against the 44th Olympiad Gold medalist teammate, Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB). In the post-match interview, Sindarov mentioned that he showcased one of the best endgames he has ever played.
Wei - Arjun: 2.5-1.5
GM Arjun Erigaisi opted for the French Defence in the first 15'+10" Rapid tie-break against GM Wei Yi (CHN). Arjun got into a perilous position out of the opening.
Wei - Arjun, Game 3
Arjun got into a huge trouble early in the opening after 10...f6 11.Qh5! could have been fatal. Instead, White played 11.exf6 Rxf6 12.Qh5 h6 13.Bd4 Nbd7 14.Bxf6? Nxf6 15.Qf7+ Kh8 16.Qxf6 gxf6 17.Nf7+ and the attack eventually dissipated.
Arjun - Wei, Game 4
Wei mentioned in the post-match interview that 25.f4 maybe was a bit too much as it created more weaknesses for White.
Wei felt that 37.Bg2?? was the final mistake by White Rh4-+ gives Black the complete advantage. Black went on to win the game, match and secure his place in the Semifinals. This is the first time Wei has advanced to a Semifinal of a World Cup in his career.
Shankland - Esipenko: 2-4
GM Andrey Esipenko started his day with a win over GM Sam Shankland (USA) in the first 15'+10" Rapid tie-break game. Shankland won on demand in the second 15'+10" Rapid game. Then Esipenko went on to win both 10'+10" Rapid tie-break games to advance to the Semifinal. He will face Wei Yi in the Semis.
For more photos, please click here.
