Tag: FIDE

Sports

FIDE World Cup 2025: Solid Start for Wei Yi as Esipenko Gains Edge for Candidates Spot

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Panaji, November 24
The opening game of the FIDE World Cup 2025 final saw a composed and strategic performance from Chinese Grandmaster Wei Yi, who held Uzbekistan’s GM Javokhir Sindarov to a draw with the black pieces. Meanwhile, in the bronze-medal match, GM Andrey Esipenko registered a crucial victory over GM Nodirbek Yakubboev, strengthening his chances of securing a berth at the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

Opening with the black pieces, Wei Yi once again relied on the trusted Petrov Defence, signaling a deep preparation and confidence in his defensive structure. Sindarov, searching for an early edge, was forced to take calculated risks to unbalance the position.

The game transitioned into a bishop-and-pawn endgame, where Wei Yi surprisingly held a slightly superior position. However, the young Uzbek GM defended with precision, navigating multiple threats before both players agreed to a draw after 50 moves.
The final now heads into Game 2 with everything to play for.

In the battle for third place — also significant for the coveted Candidates qualification — Russian GM Andrey Esipenko capitalized on his chances to defeat GM Nodirbek Yakubboev.

Yakubboev opened with the Sicilian Defence, but soon found himself in a difficult middlegame. Though he momentarily equalised after Esipenko made a few questionable decisions, the Uzbek GM was under severe time pressure, with barely three minutes left and more than ten moves to make before time control.

Esipenko maintained composure, playing accurately in the knight-vs-bishop endgame, eventually forcing resignation after 38 moves. The victory means Esipenko now needs only a draw with black in Game 2 to confirm a Candidates spot.

  • Final (Game 1):
    GM Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) drew with GM Wei Yi (CHN) — 0.5 : 0.5
  • Third Place (Game 1):
    GM Andrey Esipenko (FIDE) beat GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) — 1 : 0

The stage is set for an intense Game 2 as Sindarov looks to press with black, while Esipenko seeks to secure one of the most prestigious spots in world chess.

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

Raahul V S Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster After Winning ASEAN Individual Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s chess fraternity is celebrating a new milestone as Raahul V S becomes the nation’s 91st Grandmaster, following his outstanding victory at the ASEAN Individual Championship. Raahul clinched the title with a round to spare, showcasing remarkable skill, strategy, and composure throughout the tournament. His achievement marks another shining chapter in Bharat’s rapidly growing chess legacy.

Raahul’s journey to the Grandmaster title has been one of consistent dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional promise in national and international tournaments, steadily building his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. His victory at the ASEAN Championship not only earned him the coveted GM title but also reaffirmed India’s position as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.

Becoming a Grandmaster is a defining milestone for any chess player, representing mastery over one of the most intellectually demanding sports. Raahul’s success adds to India’s remarkable tally of chess achievements, following a golden era that has seen the rise of young prodigies continuing the legacy started by legends such as Viswanathan Anand.

The achievement is being celebrated across the Indian chess community, with fans and peers hailing Raahul’s performance as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country. His success story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and India’s growing investment in nurturing chess at the grassroots level.

As the 91st Grandmaster of Bharat, Raahul V S embodies the nation’s rising dominance in the world of chess — a game that continues to capture the imagination of millions. With his latest triumph, he joins an elite league of minds who have carried India’s intellectual tradition onto the global stage.

Heartiest congratulations to Grandmaster Raahul V S — may this be just the beginning of a long and victorious journey ahead, inspiring generations of young players to make Bharat proud.

Sports

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 at Taleigao

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Goa marked a proud moment in its sporting history as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao.

The grand opening ceremony was organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Goa, and the Sports Authority of Goa, in collaboration with FIDE (The International Chess Federation) and the All India Chess Federation (AICF).

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Sports Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, MLA Shri Nilesh Cabral, AICF President Shri Nitin Narang, Secretary (Sports) Shri Santosh Sukhadev, IAS, and Director (Sports) Dr. Ajay Gaude, among others.

In a symbolic moment of pride and unity, Chief Minister Dr. Sawant and Union Minister Dr. Mandaviya, along with the dignitaries, unveiled the FIDE World Cup 2025 Trophy, marking the official commencement of the tournament.

The FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 brings together some of the world’s finest chess grandmasters and rising talents, shining a global spotlight on Goa as a premier destination for international sporting events.

The tournament will run until November 27, 2025, with participants from across the world competing for top honors in the prestigious championship.

This event reinforces Goa’s growing reputation as a dynamic hub for international sports and youth development, blending tradition, intellect, and excellence.

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.