Overview
- Both semifinal matches remained level after the second classical games on November 22, leaving each tied 1-1.
- Esipenko pressed slightly against Wei Yi’s Petroff before agreeing to a draw, while Yakubboev and Sindarov repeated a cautious, quick split.
- Tiebreaks on Sunday, November 23 will begin with rapid games and progress to faster time controls if needed to produce winners.
- The two tiebreak winners qualify directly for the 2026 Candidates and advance to the final, with the losers playing a third-place match for the last Candidates berth.
- With two Uzbeks in one semifinal, Uzbekistan is guaranteed at least one Candidates spot as the $2 million World Cup continues in Goa through November 26.