Did Arjun Triumph Over Aronian to Reach Quarters in the FIDE World Cup 2025?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Arjun Erigaisi defeats Levon Aronian to advance to quarterfinals.
- P Harikrishna faces a tiebreak after a draw.
- Erigaisi's victory came after a tense middle game.
- Several other matches concluded with notable wins.
- The chess competition continues to showcase emerging talents.
Panaji, Nov 15 (NationPress) GM Arjun Erigaisi turned down a draw challenge from GM Levon Aronian and expertly tightened his grip on the seasoned player, ultimately achieving victory with the black pieces and progressing to the quarterfinals. In a contrasting situation, P Harikrishna now faces a tiebreaker at the FIDE World Cup 2025 taking place here on Saturday.
After drawing the first game of Round 5 while playing white, Erigaisi trapped Aronian’s king in the h1 corner, compelling the two-time World Cup champion to resign after the 38th move as he launched a triple attack using his queen, bishop, and knight.
“It was a tense middle game. I was uncertain about my position. However, after he played knight e3 and offered a draw, I felt confident that I could seize the win since he seemed satisfied with a draw,” stated Erigaisi, one of the two top-10 seeded players remaining in the tournament.
Erigaisi will now face the victor of the match between GM Wei Yi from China and GM Samuel Sevian from the USA.
Also moving on was GM Wei Yi, who triumphed over GM Samuel Sevian in 73 moves, while GM Nodirbek Yakubboev of Uzbekistan defeated GM Gabriel Sargissian from Armenia with white pieces in 35 moves. Additionally, GM Sindarov Javokhir of Uzbekistan won against GM Svane Frederik of Germany in 47 moves. Three matches, including Harikrishna's, will proceed to the tiebreak.
In the first game, playing white, Harikrishna exerted his best efforts to break through, but GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara maintained a strong defense. With no other outcomes possible, both players agreed to a draw after 35 moves, mirroring the result of their initial game, which also ended in a draw. They will now determine the outcome in quicker-paced games.
Indian results (Round 5, Game 2):
GM Levon Aronian lost to GM Arjun Erigaisi (0.5:1.5 aggregate)
GM P Harikrishna drew with GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara (1:1 aggregate).