Both classical games in the two semifinals ended in draws, meaning all the players' rapid skills would be tested in the tiebreak.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sindarov, who had eliminated GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara in the quarterfinals, took a leading position to move forward by defeating Nodirbek Yakubboev in the first rapid game with black pieces.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 19-year-old convinced Nordirbek to resign after 47 moves when he nearly promoted his c-file pawn to a queen in a rook-pawn endgame. He then drew the second game easily with white pieces in another rook-pawn ending, even as his opponent tried to force a win for 54 moves.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the second semi-final, Wei demonstrated his mastery in rapid chess by drawing the first game with black and then defeating GM Andrey Esipenko in 57 moves with white.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wei, the highest-ranked player remaining in the tournament, was clearly in trouble after move 55 as Esipenko had two more pawns than him in a rook-knight endgame. However, the Russian Grandmaster missed the chance to defend his rook a few moves earlier, which could have allowed him to gain a material advantage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about his win, Wei Yi said, \u201cBiggest achievement of my chess career. I am very happy about it. I don\u2019t know what would be the result today but I wanted to give my best today. In the final position in the second game, my opponent blundered a rook. Otherwise, black could have played for a win and I would have to play for a draw. This is a long tournament and maybe he was tired.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sindarov and Wei will now compete to determine the winner of the Viswanathan Anand Cup, while Nodirbek and Esipenko will go head-to-head for the last available Candidates Spots.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Results:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sindarov and Wei will now compete to determine the winner of the Viswanathan Anand Cup, while Nodirbek and Esipenko will go head-to-head for the last available Candidates Spots.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
GM Wei Yi (China) bt GM Andrey Esipenko (FIDE) (2.5:1.5 aggregate)<\/p>\r\n\r\n