Tag: Gukesh

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

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates FIDE World Cup Chess Match in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa witnessed a historic moment as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant made the ceremonial first move in the highly anticipated match between World Champion D. Gukesh and GM Kazybek Nogerbek at the FIDE World Cup. The event was attended by eminent chess personalities, including Viswanathan Anand, GM Abhijeet Kunte, MLA Praveen Arlekar, and other dignitaries, making it a significant occasion for Indian chess.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister remarked that hosting such a prestigious global chess tournament is a proud milestone for Goa and reflects the state’s growing importance in international sports. He emphasized that the event not only promotes competitive chess but also inspires young talent in Goa to aspire to global excellence.

The FIDE World Cup match between D. Gukesh and GM Kazybek Nogerbek brought together India’s finest chess talents and international stars, highlighting the nation’s rising stature in the global chess arena. The presence of legends like Viswanathan Anand further elevated the event, making it a memorable experience for players, spectators, and fans.

This historic occasion signifies Goa’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events, fostering talent, and promoting the state as a hub for cultural and sporting excellence.