Arjun Erigaisi exits the FIDE World Cup after losing to Wei Yi. [Photo: X/International Chess Federation]
Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi exited the FIDE World Cup after losing to China’s Wei Yi 1.5-2.5 in the first set of rapid tiebreaks in Panaji on Wednesday. The defeat ended India’s challenge in the tournament and closed the door for any late comeback by the top seed in the knockout stage.
Arjun had held Wei Yi to draws in both classical games. But the rapid tiebreaks changed the momentum. The Chinese grandmaster kept consistent pressure and capitalised on small mistakes.
Arjun played with the black pieces in the first rapid game and chose the French Defence. The opening did not work well for him. He soon slipped into a difficult position and lost a rook for a minor piece. Wei Yi pushed for a win and held a big advantage on the board.
However, Arjun fought back despite being low on material. He defended stubbornly and forced a draw after Wei Yi “fumbled in the ensuing endgame.”
The second rapid game brought more trouble for the Indian star. Arjun had the white pieces but could not gain control. Wei Yi took over the centre and fixed his light-squared bishop on the sixth rank. That piece caused long-term problems that Arjun could not solve.
Arjun lost a pawn in the endgame. The position remained tense, but Wei Yi advanced his pawns at the right moment and converted the advantage. Arjun was finally checkmated.
Andrey Esipenko defeated Sam Shankland of the United States 4-2. Shankland lost both games in the second set of tiebreaks after both players traded wins in the first set.
In another quarterfinal, Javokhir Sindarov became the second Uzbek player, after Nodirbek Yakubboev, to reach the semifinals. Sindarov beat Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara 3.5-2.5 in a tense match that came down to nerves. Sindarov proved stronger in critical moments. The semifinals will now feature Esipenko vs Wei Yi and Yakubboev vs Sindarov.
Arjun’s loss has major implications for India’s representation in next year’s Candidates Tournament. With his exit, only R. Praggnanandhaa remains in contention. He is likely to qualify as the candidate on the basis of his consistent performance throughout the year.
Arjun’s early departure also highlights a deeper challenge for Indian chess. India is producing talented players, but many struggle with high-pressure, rapid tiebreaks at elite events. Coaches believe the team now needs stronger, rapid and blitz preparation as these formats increasingly decide major tournaments.
Arjun will now look to rebuild and prepare for future events. His classical performance remained solid, but he lacked precision in the fast formats. The setback may push him to focus more on rapid time controls, especially with the growing importance of speed chess in global competitions.
