Tag: India chess

Sports

Sindarov Becomes Youngest FIDE World Cup Champion After Beating Wei Yi in Tiebreak

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Uzbekistan’s rising chess star, 19-year-old Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov, scripted a memorable chapter in Panaji by becoming the youngest-ever FIDE World Cup champion after defeating China’s GM Wei Yi in the second rapid game of the tiebreak. Sindarov, who entered the final against an undefeated Wei, held his ground with two quick draws in the classical games before banking on his rapid-play strength to secure the title.

The match saw Wei maintain his trademark solidity, including an early moment in the first tiebreak game where Sindarov briefly had a winning sequence in a bishop-pawn endgame but was unable to convert. However, the second rapid game marked a decisive shift. Sindarov began exerting sustained pressure on Wei’s kingside, gradually tightening the position until his queen pinned the Chinese grandmaster’s king, leaving no room for defense. Wei resigned after the 60th move, handing Sindarov not only the championship but also the honor of becoming the first Uzbek player to win the World Cup and the newly christened Viswanathan Anand Cup, along with a prize purse of $120,000.

Reflecting on his victory, Sindarov shared that his objective was to remain solid regardless of the rapid time control and seize opportunities when they came. He sensed his opponent’s lack of confidence in the second game, even offering a draw that Wei declined in pursuit of a win. With time running out for the Chinese grandmaster, Sindarov’s attack proved decisive. Calling the win just the start of his career, he expressed his ambition to reach the 2750 rating mark and set his sights on future world championships, including the Candidates 2026, for which this event awarded three spots. Sindarov also highlighted his fondness for playing in India, noting that the country has brought him significant success, from winning the Olympiad during his last visit to now claiming the World Cup. He predicted a fierce competitive future between India and Uzbekistan in international chess, as both nations continue to nurture strong emerging talent. This victory marks a new milestone for Sindarov and sets the stage for an exciting next chapter in his chess journey.

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
Entertainment

From Struggles to Stardom: 16-Year-Old Ilamparthy AR Becomes India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster ♟️✨

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At the tender age of five, while most children were learning their first alphabets, Ilamparthy AR was already mastering chess strategies. Growing up in modest circumstances, his passion for the game saw him travel alone across cities, often marked by financial challenges at home.

Now, at just 16, Ilamparthy has made history by becoming India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster — a feat that cements his place among the country’s brightest sporting minds.

His journey is a story of resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. Each move on the board reflected his belief that intelligence thrives where determination meets opportunity.

As the chess world celebrates this young prodigy, Ilamparthy stands as a symbol of India’s emerging sporting spirit — one that is bold, brilliant, and unstoppable. ♟️🇮🇳

Sports

Divya Deshmukh Enters Semi-Finals of FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, Joins Koneru Humpy

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Batumi, Georgia | July 16, 2025: India’s rising chess star International Master Divya Deshmukh has etched her name into the history books by advancing to the semi-finals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, becoming only the second Indian woman ever to do so.

Joining her in the Final 4 is none other than Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, making it a historic occasion for Indian chess — with two Indian women fighting for a spot in the final on the global stage.

Divya’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by tactical brilliance, calm under pressure, and a maturity beyond her years. Her performances have captured the attention of the global chess community and renewed India’s dominance in women’s chess.

The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, held in Batumi, Georgia, has seen fierce competition among the world’s best, and Divya’s advancement is a testament to India’s growing bench strength in international chess.

In a post-match interaction, Divya expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, “It’s an honour to represent India at this level. Every game is a new challenge, and I’m thrilled to have made it to the semis.”

With Humpy and Divya both in the semis, India has doubled its chances for gold and reaffirmed its place as a global chess powerhouse.

The chess world now eagerly awaits the semi-final clashes as India watches with pride.

Stay tuned for more updates from FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025.