The FIDE World Cup 2025 is heating up, and Uzbek grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev has become the first player to reach the semifinals, taking a big step closer to the coveted Candidates Tournament. Yakubboev secured his spot after winning his quarterfinal match against Germany’s Alexander Donchenko during the Uzbekistan Flag Day, making him the first among the eight quarterfinalists to advance.
Nodirbek Yakubboev’s Incredible Form
Nodirbek Yakubboev’s performance was impressive as he held strong against Donchenko throughout their battle. Despite Donchenko’s best efforts to turn the match around, he could only manage a draw in the end, allowing Yakubboev to claim the match win and set up a semifinal encounter with the winner of the match between Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov and Mexican grandmaster Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara.
Yakubboev’s advance to the semifinals is a milestone not just for him personally but also for Uzbekistan chess, as there is now a strong chance that Uzbekistan will have a player in the World Cup finals if Javokhir Sindarov wins his tie-break against Martinez Alcantara. This would guarantee at least one Uzbek player in the candidates, a big achievement for the nation on the world chess stage.
So, Yakubboev sets the early pace as the first semifinalist, while the battles for the remaining three spots promise exciting chess in the days ahead. Stay tuned to see who will join him in the semifinals and possibly secure a berth in the highly prestigious Candidates tournament. Chess enthusiasts around the world are eagerly watching every move as the tournament heads towards its thrilling conclusion.
The FIDE World Cup 2025 quarterfinal tie-break games are scheduled to start at 3 p.m. IST on 19 November 2025, and fans can expect intense matches as players fight for a place in the semifinals.
Also read: Who Is Javokhir Sindarov? The 19-Year-Old FIDE World Cup 2025 Sensation
