FIDE World Cup 30 October - 27 November 2025

[Matt Mackenzie]

Shankland has won 2-0 against Dubov.

Can't be too upset given Dubov's rather cynical tactics earlier in the tournament.

[Paul Cooksey]

I'm pleased to see Shankland win. I've no criticism of Dubov's tactics though. He is relatively stronger at faster time limits. If he doesn't play accordingly he is not respecting the importance of the event. For me anyway, don't hate the player, hate the game.

[Mick Norris]

Dubov now 76 classical games without defeat

[Matt Mackenzie]

I'm pleased to see Shankland win. I've no criticism of Dubov's tactics though. He is relatively stronger at faster time limits. If he doesn't play accordingly he is not respecting the importance of the event. For me anyway, don't hate the player, hate the game.

I don't "hate" him, or indeed any other person just for playing chess. Just that those tactics don't sit well with me and never have (though I appreciate the argument for such an approach you have put forward)

[Paul Heaton]

Shankland has won 2-0 against Dubov.

Due to be in London for the first round of the Classic in 10 days time. Two more rounds to navigate before being double booked….

[Mick Norris]

If he survives being knocked out on Tuesday or Wednesday, then he's either got a 3rd place playoff or final to follow the semifinal

[LawrenceCooper]

Shankland has won 2-0 against Dubov.

Due to be in London for the first round of the Classic in 10 days time. Two more rounds to navigate before being double booked….

I think Malcolm mentioned in a recent interview that contracts allow for a player to be replaced if they reach the semi-final.

[LawrenceCooper]

Arjun's prep allows him to finish his black game with more time than he started with. Draw in 31 moves.

[LawrenceCooper]

Shankland-Esipenko also drawn. I suspect that Sindarov-Martinez will go the same way but Yakubboev has a big advantage against Donchenko.

[Mick Norris]

Good hold from Martinez, Sindarov will feel he missed a chance

[LawrenceCooper]

Good hold from Martinez, Sindarov will feel he missed a chance

I did wonder why he didn't take on h6 on move 34. Not a winning advantage but it seemed the best chance.

[NickFaulks]

I did wonder why he didn't take on h6 on move 34. Not a winning advantage but it seemed the best chance.

I suppose he may have thought it offered some losing chances too, although they don't really stand up.

[LawrenceCooper]

Yakukbboev win confirmed.

[Mick Norris]

Yakukbboev win confirmed.

Putting his live rating at 2701.7

[Joey Stewart]

Now there's going to be two nodirbeks to try and keep track of in the elite chess scene...