Tag: Arjun Erigaisi

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World Cup 2025: Arjun–Wei Quarterfinal Goes to Tiebreak; Nodirbek Reaches Semis

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The FIDE World Cup 2025 continued to produce tense battles as GM Arjun Erigaisi and GM Wei Yi drew their second classical game, sending their quarterfinal match into a rapid tiebreak. After a quick draw with Black on Monday, Arjun pressed harder with White and managed to gain a promising advantage in the middle game.

Engines even suggested a decisive bishop sacrifice that could have tilted the match in his favor, but Arjun opted for the quieter Qd2, allowing Wei Yi to regroup and defend accurately. With the classical segment ending 1–1, Arjun will begin the tiebreak with the Black pieces and is still considered one of the favourites in the faster format.

Two more quarterfinals are also headed to tiebreaks. GM Andrey Esipenko and GM Sam Shankland split the point after 37 moves, while GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara and GM Javokhir Sindarov wrapped up their game in just 18 minutes, agreeing to a draw after 25 moves to level the match.

The only decisive qualification of the day came from Uzbekistan’s GM Nodirbek Yakubboev, who secured his semifinal spot with a composed 57-move draw against GM Alexander Donchenko, having already won the first game with White. With one semifinalist confirmed and three spots still up for grabs, the tiebreaks promise high-stakes action as the tournament intensifies.

Sports

P. Harikrishna Knocked Out in Round 5 Tiebreak at FIDE World Cup 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

India’s journey at the FIDE World Cup 2025 narrowed to a single contender after GM P Harikrishna was knocked out in the Round 5 tiebreaks by GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara. While both classical games between the two ended in draws, Harikrishna entered the rapid playoff needing to break the deadlock.

The first two rapid games with a 15-minute time control also resulted in draws, pushing the match into the next set of rapid games with a 10-minute time control. Playing with white, Harikrishna pressed for a win and came prepared, even gaining almost a minute on his clock after the opening phase. However, Martinez responded precisely, and the situation gradually shifted in the Peruvian’s favour after Harikrishna traded queens. The game transitioned into a rook-and-pawn endgame, where Martinez maintained steady pressure and eventually secured victory after 59 moves.

Harikrishna then faced a must-win scenario with black in the second rapid game. Despite his efforts, he was unable to break through Martinez’s defence and had to settle for a draw, ending his campaign in the 30-move encounter. With his elimination, India’s hopes now rest on second seed GM Arjun Erigaisi, who earlier produced a commanding performance in Round 5 by defeating two-time World Cup champion GM Levon Aronian 1.5–0.5 in the classical games. Arjun now advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face China’s formidable GM Wei Yi.

Elsewhere in the tournament, GM Sam Shankland advanced after defeating former world rapid champion GM Daniil Dubov, while GM Andrey Esipenko secured his spot by winning with white and drawing with black against GM Aleksey Grebnev. The final quarterfinal position was claimed by Germany’s GM Alexander Donchenko, who overcame GM Le Quang Liem of Vietnam in a tense tiebreak.

The quarterfinal lineup for Monday is now set: Arjun Erigaisi vs Wei Yi, Sam Shankland vs Andrey Esipenko, Jose Martinez Alcantara vs Javokhir Sindarov, and Alexander Donchenko completing the roster. India will be watching closely as Arjun enters the next stage, carrying the nation’s hopes forward.

Sports

FIDE World Cup 2025: Arjun Erigaisi, P Harikrishna Draw Opening Game of Round 5

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Photo Credit – Eteri Kublashvili / FIDE

Panaji, November 14: GM Arjun Erigaisi’s determined attempts to push for victory against GM Levon Aronian did not yield a breakthrough, while GM P Harikrishna opted for a safe and steady draw against GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara as Round 5 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 began in Panaji on Friday.

Playing with the white pieces, Arjun entered a complex double rook endgame where he held a slight edge. However, Aronian defended resourcefully, surviving a long think on his 21st move and steering the game back to equality. After 41 moves, the players agreed to a draw, leaving the second classical game on Saturday as the decider—this time with Aronian enjoying the white pieces.

Harikrishna, meanwhile, ensured a smooth day at the office. Facing giant-killer Alcantara, who has impressed in the tournament so far, the Indian GM maintained precise play with black. Both players quickly traded into a rook–pawn endgame and settled for a draw after 41 moves.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 began with 206 players from 82 countries, including a strong contingent of 24 Indian participants. After four gruelling rounds, only Arjun and Harikrishna remain in the chase for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Trophy and the coveted Candidates spots.

At the time of reporting, six of the eight Round 5 matches had ended in draws, setting up an intense second classical game.

Indian Results (Round 5, Game 1)

  • GM Arjun Erigaisi drew with GM Levon Aronian — 0.5 : 0.5
  • GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara drew with GM P Harikrishna — 0.5 : 0.5
Sports

FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 Returns to India After 23 Years, to Be Held in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The global spotlight returns to India as the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to unfold in the scenic coastal state of Goa, marking a monumental return of the tournament to Indian soil after over two decades. Scheduled from October 31 to November 27, the event will be hosted at the plush Resort Rio in Bardez, Arpora — a venue that blends luxury with Goa’s laid-back coastal charm.

A total of 206 elite players from 82 countries will vie for a share of the impressive $2 million prize fund in a nail-biting knockout format. But the stakes go beyond the prize money — the top three finishers will earn a golden ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.

Among the notable contenders are household names in world chess: Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Anish Giri, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, Wesley So, Richard Rapport, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin. A special highlight will be 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, who is set to become the youngest participant in the tournament’s history.

Indian chess fans have another reason to celebrate with the inclusion of Divya Deshmukh in the Open Section through a wildcard entry, marking a significant step for Indian women in elite chess.

The tournament’s return to India underlines the country’s rapid rise in the global chess hierarchy — not just as a breeding ground for prodigies, but as a serious stage for international events. With recent triumphs from Indian grandmasters and increasing national interest, India is poised to redefine its place on the global chess map.

Adding to the excitement is a culturally immersive logo that blends Goa’s signature symbols — a palm tree swaying over a blue wave, a red checkered chessboard, and a yellow sun radiating warmth — creating a visual identity that is as vibrant as the host state itself.

Further elevating the spirit is the official anthem, sung by iconic Indian artist Daler Mehendi. The song celebrates India not only as a host but as a protagonist in global chess. Through the lens of key players — Tania Sachdev, Gukesh, Humpy Koneru, and Vidit — the anthem embodies the pillars of Indian chess: talent, tradition, intellect, and inspiration.

With the perfect blend of tradition, talent, and tropical beauty, the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa is set to be more than a tournament — it will be a celebration of chess, culture, and India’s enduring rise on the global stage.

Sports

Arjun Erigaisi Holds Second Place at Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters After Win Over Ray Robson

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Indian chess sensation Arjun Erigaisi continues to shine on the global stage. The World No. 5 Grandmaster from India scored an impressive victory over American GM Ray Robson in the third round of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters Tournament, consolidating his position in sole second place on the leaderboard.

After three rounds, Erigaisi is just behind German GM Vincent Keymer, who currently leads the tournament standings. The victory over Robson showcased Erigaisi’s precision, patience, and tactical brilliance — hallmarks of his rise in the world chess elite.

The Chennai Grand Masters is bringing together some of the finest minds in the sport, and Erigaisi’s performance has reinforced India’s growing dominance in the global chess arena. With several rounds still to go, fans are eagerly watching to see if the 20-year-old can challenge Keymer for the top spot and take home the prestigious title.