World Cup: Four players bounce back on demand, Wang upsets Mendonca

The opening round of the 2025 FIDE World Cup neared its conclusion on Sunday, with most matches already producing a winner after the second classical game. Out of 78 encounters, 58 were decided without the need for tiebreaks, while 20 remain level and will continue on Monday. A few players managed to level their matches after early setbacks, and China’s IM Wang Shixu (pictured) delivered the day’s biggest surprise by eliminating Leon Luke Mendonca. | Photo: Michal Walusza