Arjun Erigaisi, India’s last hope for the FIDE World Cup 2025, recently faced a tough setback. The top-rated Indian grandmaster was eliminated by China’s Wei Yi in a gripping tiebreak match that ended Erigaisi’s dream run in the tournament.
The FIDE World Cup has seen some intense battles, but the recent quarterfinal clash between Indian Grandmaster Arjun and China’s Wei Yi was one of the most gripping. Arjun, India’s top hope in the tournament, met his match as Wei Yi eliminated him after a hard-fought rapid tiebreak. Let’s see what happened, Arjun’s journey so far, and what lies ahead for him.
Arjun Erigaisi’s Elimination
Arjun Erigaisi’s elimination came in the quarterfinals during the rapid tiebreak games after both players drew their classical games. The first rapid game saw Arjun using the French Defence with the black pieces, but despite a tough position early on, he managed to draw after a long 66-move battle. However, the second rapid game was where Wei Yi took control.
Playing solidly with the white pieces, Wei Yi built a strong position highlighted by his light-squared bishop posted deeply on the sixth rank, which caused Arjun major headaches. Arjun tried to fight back, but Wei’s precise pawn play and eventual promotion of his c-pawn forced Arjun’s resignation after 79 moves, ending India’s run in this FIDE World Cup.
What’s Next For Arjun Erigaisi
Looking ahead, although this loss is disappointing, Arjun Erigaisi has a promising future. At just 22 years old, he has time to learn from this experience and come back stronger. India’s chess hopes now rest mainly on another young phenom, R. Praggnanandhaa, who is likely to advance to the prestigious Candidates Tournament through his consistent performances. Arjun, meanwhile, will refocus on upcoming tournaments and continue his climb in the global rankings.
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This FIDE World Cup 2025 might have ended for Arjun, but his chess career is just taking shape, and the world will be watching his next moves closely.
Also read: Nodirbek Yakubboev Becomes First Semifinalist In FIDE World Cup 2025
