Two fighting games
Nineteen-year-old Javokhir Sindarov has already built an impressive résumé, but his greatest achievement to date came on Wednesday in Goa, as he secured overall victory at the 2025 FIDE World Cup. The Uzbek grandmaster prevailed in a tense and often unpredictable tiebreak against Wei Yi, the world number 11, winning the playoff 2½–1½ after both finalists missed good winning chances at different moments.
The first rapid encounter finished drawn, though Sindarov let slip the opportunity to convert a simplified setup that should have led to a winning pawn ending. In what appeared to be a straightforward sequence, he hesitated at a critical moment and allowed Wei to escape with half a point. For the Chinese grandmaster, this was a fortunate reprieve, as falling behind early would have put him under immediate pressure in the short match.
Sindarov ½-½ Wei
In the second game, Sindarov handled the opening phase with Black confidently, equalising without difficulty and gradually steering the position into channels more favourable for him. As the middlegame developed, he began to probe Wei's defences, but then briefly lost his way, allowing his opponent to seize the initiative.
Wei obtained strong chances and appeared close to breaking through - but, under severe time pressure, he failed to convert several promising continuations.
With the clock ticking down, the game turned sharply. Sindarov launched a counterattack at the moment when Wei's coordination faltered, and with the Chinese player left with only seconds to defend, the balance shifted decisively. Unable to find a satisfactory defensive setup, Wei saw the attack crash through, and the game slipped from his grasp.
Wei 0-1 Sindarov
Sindarov's 2½–1½ victory in the tiebreak secured him the World Cup title, the winner's cheque of $120,000, and the prestigious trophy. Wei Yi, who fought throughout with characteristic determination, earned $85,000 for his runner-up finish. Both finalists, of course, had already achieved the event's most significant reward: qualification to the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
All games - Final and match for third place
Replay games from all rounds at Live.ChessBase.com
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