Chess Base

• World Cup SF: Two draws, no lack of tension

  Friday’s opening games of the FIDE World Cup semifinals offered balanced results but no shortage of depth. Both encounters were drawn, yet Wei Yi and Andrey Esipenko (pictured) produced an intricate tactical sequence, while Nodirbek Yakubboev and Javokhir Sindarov explored a queenless middlegame full of subtle decisions. With three Candidates spots at stake, every nuance now carries considerable weight as the matches head into their second classical games. | Photo: Michal Walusza

• World Women's Team Championship - Live!

  The World Women's Team Championship is taking place in Linares, Spain, from 18 to 23 November. The knockout stage kicks off on Friday with the quarterfinals: Russia v. Uzbekistan, China v. United States, Azerbaijan v. Georgia and Kazakhstan v. India. A 45+30 time control ensures plenty of excitement in the team competition. | Follow the games live starting at 13.30 CET (8.30 ET, 18.00 IST)

• Who will win the World Cup – and who will make it to the Candidates?

  The World Cup began on 30 October in Goa, India. Two hundred and six players entered the tournament; three weeks later, only four remain and will now meet in the semifinals. China’s Wei Yi faces the Russian GM Andrey Esipenko, while Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan takes on his compatriot Nodirbek Yakubboev. The top three finishers qualify for the Candidates Tournament. The winner earns 120,000 USD, the fourth-placed player 50,000. But who has the best chances of winning the event — and securing a spot in the Candidates? | Photos: Michal Walusza