The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Arpora, Goa, has reached a critical juncture with only two Indian contenders remaining in the prestigious tournament. As the competition moves into Game 1 of Round 5 at the Resort Rio Convention Centre on Friday, all eyes are on Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and Pentala Harikrishna as they carry the nation's hopes forward.
High-Stakes Clashes in Round 5
The fifth round presents formidable challenges for both Indian players. Arjun Erigaisi faces one of his toughest tests yet against two-time World Cup winner Levon Aronian from the United States. Meanwhile, the experienced Pentala Harikrishna squares off against José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara, the in-form Mexican Grandmaster who has been delivering impressive performances throughout the tournament.
These matches represent crucial battles in the knockout format, where every move could determine who advances closer to the World Cup title. The Indian contingent, which began with 24 participants, has seen a dramatic reduction as the tournament progressed through earlier rounds.
Indian Contingent's Dramatic Journey
The home tournament has witnessed a steady elimination of Indian talent across multiple rounds. The initial field of 24 Indian participants saw seven players knocked out after the first round, followed by seven more eliminations in the second round. The third round proved particularly devastating as it claimed five Indian players, including top seed and reigning World Champion D. Gukesh.
The fourth round delivered another blow to Indian hopes when R. Praggnanandhaa, the 2023 World Cup finalist, was eliminated by former World Rapid Champion Daniil Dubov of Russia. Praggnanandhaa's exit came during the tiebreaks after he played a quick draw in the first 15+10-minute rapid game before losing the second game with white pieces. Karthik Venkataraman and Pranav V also crashed out in the same round, leaving only Erigaisi and Harikrishna to represent India.
Harikrishna's Remarkable Longevity
Pentala Harikrishna's continued presence in the tournament highlights an extraordinary career span in competitive chess. The Grandmaster made his World Cup debut 23 years ago in 2002 during Viswanathan Anand's second World Cup victory in Hyderabad. Back then, Harikrishna was a 16-year-old prodigy who had already achieved the Grandmaster title.
Now, more than two decades later, Harikrishna demonstrates that his competitive spirit remains undiminished. His victory over Sweden's Nils Grandelius in the fourth round secured his place among the final Indian representatives, proving that experience and skill can overcome the challenges posed by younger opponents.
The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling matches as it progresses through its later stages. With Erigaisi and Harikrishna carrying Indian hopes, chess enthusiasts across the nation await the outcomes of these critical Round 5 encounters that will determine whether Indian representation continues in the quest for the World Cup title.
