Overview
- Wei Yi and Andrey Esipenko split the point after 33 moves, with Wei saving a tense French Defense game by finding a sacrificial resource.
- Nodirbek Yakubboev and Javokhir Sindarov agreed a 30‑move draw in their all‑Uzbek matchup after precise, risk‑managed play.
- The event in Goa is a 206‑player knockout with a $2 million purse that awards three places in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
- With two Uzbeks on one side of the bracket, the all‑Uzbek semifinal ensures the country will have a finalist and a Candidates qualifier.
- Game 2 is scheduled for November 22, with rapid and blitz tiebreaks available if either match remains level.