World Cup 2025 QF1: Arjun plays a Grandmaster draw against Wei Yi, Yakubboev outplays Donchenko
The first result of FIDE World Cup 2025 Quarterfinals 1 was a Grandmaster draw between Arjun Erigaisi and Wei Yi (CHN). The game lasted for a little less than an hour. Pieces got exchanged at a regular interval. Every move was a material exchange from move no.10 to 17. It was evident from the play that neither side is going to push for the maximum today. Both just wanted to test the waters. The sole decisive game of the day was played by Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) and Alexander Donchenko (GER). It seemed like Donchenko has still not shaken off the cobwebs of his tie-break games against Liem Quang Le (VIE) on the previous day. His ambitious play did not work out and arrived at a lost position by move no.20. Round 6 Game 2 starts tomorrow at 3 p.m. IST. Photos: Shahid Ahmed
Alexander Donchenko in a must-win situation
The first game of Round 6 which is also the first day of the Quarterfinals witnessed only one game which saw fireworks. GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) is an attacking, aggressive, sharp and resourceful player. If you give him half a chance on the board, he will seize it and make you regret your incorrect decisions which is exactly what happened. GM Alexander Donchenko (GER) has a daunting task of winning the second game on demand tomorrow.
Sindarov - Jose: 0.5-0.5
GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB, 2721) drew the first Classical rated game against GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara (MEX, 2644). There was one moment in the endgame where he could have taken the h6-pawn.
Ofcourse White figured that his knight won't get trapped after 34.Nxh6 Kf8 as 35.g4 is there. It's not that 34.Nxh6 would have given White a decisive advantage, but it could very well be a matter of what if. What if it had given him an edge which is the sole opportunity he gets in this match? We will know the answer either tomorrow or the day after.
Wei - Arjun: 0.5-0.5
GM Wei Yi (CHN, 2752) and GM Arjun Erigaisi (2769) played a Grandmaster draw. The game lasted a little less than an hour.
Shankland - Esipenko: 0.5-0.5
GM Sam Shankland (USA) played a well contested draw against GM Andrey Esipenko.
Yakubboev - Donchenko: 1-0
GM Alexander Donchenko (GER, 2641) opted for the King's Indian Defence. GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB, 2689) replied with 3.f3 and made his intentions known. Donchenko arrived at a lost position by move no.20. He had already moved his queen four times, knight five. His pieces were all over the place.
21.a5 b5 22.axb6 Rb7 23.Bxe5 Bxe5 24.Nc4 and it became a trudge for Black towards his loss.
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