FIDE World Cup 2025: Arjun Erigaisi Holds Wei Yi in QF Game 1, Yakubboev Claims Solo Victory
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi draws against Wei Yi in the quarterfinal opener, keeping India’s hopes alive, while Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev scores the only victory of the day.
India, Nov 18 : Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi (2773) showcased his poise and preparation as he held Chinese GM Wei Yi (2754) to a 31-move draw in the first classical quarterfinal game of the FIDE World Cup 2025 at Hotel Resort Rio, Goa, on Monday.
The winner of this prestigious $2 million event will not only lift the newly christened Viswanathan Anand Cup but also secure a coveted spot in the Candidates 2026 in Cyprus.
Arjun, the TATA Steel 2024 champion from Warangal, opted for a Ruy Lopez Closed opening, steering the game into a balanced position without giving Wei Yi any significant chances. Demonstrating excellent preparation, Erigaisi maintained a time advantage throughout, eventually reaching a simplified rook-and-pawn ending by move 27. The game concluded with a draw by threefold repetition after 31 moves. Notably, Arjun finished with more time on his clock than he started with, reflecting both confidence and precision.
The second classical game of the quarterfinal now becomes pivotal, with Erigaisi enjoying the advantage of the white pieces.
In other FIDE World Cup 2025 quarterfinal matchups, GM Sam Shankland (2654) drew with GM Andrey Esipenko (2693) in 38 moves, and GM Sindarov Javokhir (2721) split points with GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara (2644) after 39 moves. The only decisive result of the day came from Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (2689), who defeated Germany’s GM Alexander Donchenko (2641).
Earlier in the tournament, Arjun had impressed by defeating two-time World Cup winner GM Levon Aronian with the black pieces. After rejecting a draw offer in the opening game of Round 5, Arjun pinned Aronian’s king on h1 and launched a lethal triple attack with queen, bishop, and knight, forcing resignation on the 38th move.
Quarterfinal Game 1 Results:
Wei Yi 0.5 – 0.5 Arjun Erigaisi
Sam Shankland 0.5 – 0.5 Andrey Esipenko
Sindarov Javokhir 0.5 – 0.5 Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara
Nodirbek Yakubboev 1 – 0 Alexander Donchenko
With the first game concluded, all eyes are now on Arjun Erigaisi as he looks to advance further in the FIDE World Cup 2025, keeping India’s hopes alive in the championship.
