In the quarterfinal matches in Goa, India, Nodirbek Yakubboyev defeated Germany's Alexander Donchenko with a score of 1.5:0.5 in classical games and advanced to the semifinals. Javokhir Sindarov drew his classical games against Mexico's Jose Martinez and won the rapid tie-break with a score of 3.5:2.5.
Thus, Sindarov and Yakubboyev will face each other in the semifinals. This is a first-time recorded event in the history of Uzbek chess – it is now certain that at least one Uzbek chess player will reach the final.
The FIDE World Cup does not determine the reigning world champion, but the top three spots in the competition grant an invitation to the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Therefore, at least one Uzbek chess player will participate in this prestigious tournament for the first time in history. If the match for 3rd place is considered, both chess players could receive an invitation.
The semifinal matches will be held on November 21-22. The pairings are: — Javokhir Sindarov (Uzb.) — Nodirbek Yakubboyev (Uzb.) — Andrey Esipenko (Rus.) — Wei Li (China).
