The classical games of the World Cup semifinals concluded with balanced, well-fought draws on both boards. After nearly a month of intense competition, with extensive daily preparation and mounting physical and mental strain, the elite four competitors demonstrated the resilience and technical mastery required at the highest level. All semifinal positions will now be decided through rapid and blitz tiebreaks, where the path to the Candidates Tournament becomes definitively clear.

The playing hall buzzed with anticipation as deep preparation and strategic sophistication shaped both encounters. The results—two more draws—set the stage for tomorrow’s decisive rapid battles, where faster time controls and reduced preparation time could produce the breakthrough moments that classical chess has not yet yielded.

Wei Yi: Solid Mastery Under Pressure

Wei Yi delivered another impressive performance, navigating a challenging position with characteristic composure and technical precision. The Chinese grandmaster, facing an opponent armed with specific preparation, demonstrated exceptional defensive acuity.

Esipenko began with the Nimzowitsch Attack in the Petrov, employing 7.Bf4—a line from earlier theoretical practice that caught Wei Yi momentarily off guard. The choice highlighted his opponent’s thorough preparation and willingness to deviate from modern practice. Despite this opening challenge, Wei Yi regrouped effectively, finding the solid continuations required to navigate the position.

In a critical middlegame moment, as White possessed a slight initiative, Wei Yi maintained defensive stability while seeking counterplay. His setup—the classic “Alekhine’s gun” formation with triple heavy pieces along the open e-file—demonstrated sophisticated positional understanding. Despite facing pressure, Wei Yi’s solid approach and precise calculation allowed him to equalize and steer toward a repetition.

Facing a prepared opponent and slightly worse positions, Wei Yi showcased the defensive technique and resilience that have defined his tournament run. His ability to convert difficult positions into draws through composed, methodical play exemplifies the championship mentality required at this stage of elite competition.

Javokhir Sindarov: Theoretical Excellence and Positional Mastery

Javokhir Sindarov delivered a nuanced performance in his match against his Uzbek teammate, showcasing both deep theoretical knowledge and sophisticated positional judgment. The encounter between two players of exceptional caliber featured subtle opening choices that reflected their intimate familiarity with each other’s style.

The game began with the Four Knights Spanish, the same opening Sindarov had faced in the quarterfinals. Yakubboev’s opening choices—particularly his deliberation on move 4 with the Rubinstein Variation—demonstrated his careful approach to avoiding prepared lines while maintaining competitive prospects.

Sindarov’s response showcased his positional mastery. With White, he selected a structure known for solidity—offering limited winning chances but maintaining practical control. In a critical theoretical moment demanding extensive calculation, Sindarov demonstrated the depth of preparation that has defined his tournament performance. His nuanced move-order play with 10.Qh5 reflected sophisticated understanding of emerging positions, maintaining pressure while allowing flexibility.

Throughout the middlegame, Sindarov displayed the strategic acuity and piece coordination that have made him one of the tournament’s most impressive performers. His eventual transition to a balanced endgame reflected both technical competence and championship judgment—recognizing when to consolidate positions against a well-matched opponent.

At just 19 years old, Sindarov continues to display the theoretical sophistication and positional understanding typically associated with much older, more experienced grandmasters.

The Road to the Final

Both Wei Yi and Javokhir Sindarov have now completed their classical games in the semifinals, with the promise of rapid and blitz battles to determine who advances to the championship final and secures Candidates Tournament qualification.

The month-long journey through the World Cup has demonstrated the extraordinary demands of championship chess. With a month of sustained competition behind them, combined with hours of daily preparation and the escalating physical and mental strain, fatigue inevitably shapes every decision. The final classical games reflected this reality—balanced, carefully played, and tactically sound, yet lacking the breakthrough moments that earlier rounds have produced.

Tomorrow’s tiebreaks promise a different dynamic. With reduced preparation time, accelerated decision-making, and the psychological pressure of potential elimination, the rapid and blitz formats may finally yield definitive results. For both competitors, the championship dream reaches its critical juncture.

Championship Destiny

The World Cup semifinals approach their climactic conclusion. From an initial field of 206 competitors representing chess nations worldwide, only four remain. Tomorrow, two will advance to the World Cup final and secure prestigious Candidates qualification. The others will compete for third place and the final Candidates spot.

The path to chess’s highest honors narrows with each passing moment. For Wei Yi and Javokhir Sindarov, the championship journey enters its most decisive phase, where faster time controls and supreme psychological pressure will determine who takes the next step toward World Cup glory.