&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "FIDE World Cup 2025: India’s challenge ends at quarter-final stage as Arjun goes down against Wei Yi in tiebreak")
India’s journey in the ongoing FIDE World Cup 2025 came to a halt on Wednesday (November 19) as Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi lost to China’s GM Wei Yi in the quarter-finals after a tense tiebreak. Arjun, the last remaining Indian in the competition, had drawn both of the classical games, setting the stage for a nail-biting tiebreak series. In the first tiebreak game, Arjun, playing with black, opted for the French Defense. While he found himself under pressure in the middle game, Wei Yi blundered on move 27 by choosing a cautious move, allowing Arjun to recover and hold the game to a draw after 66 moves.
In the second tiebreak, Arjun faced a challenging situation with white, as Wei Yi defended with the Petrov Defense. Despite Arjun’s best efforts, Wei gained a decisive advantage by move 28. Arjun fought to the bitter end, but Wei’s promotion of a pawn to a queen on move 79 forced Arjun to concede defeat, ending India’s hopes in the tournament.
Reflecting on his victory, Wei Yi said, “I am thrilled to beat such a strong opponent. In the first game, I had opportunities, but I couldn’t capitalize. In the second game, Arjun played aggressively, which allowed me to seize the advantage.”
In other quarter-final action, GM Andrey Esipenko advanced to the semifinals after defeating GM Sam Shankland in a dramatic tiebreak. Esipenko won both games in the second stage, securing a semifinal spot against Wei Yi. GM Javokhir Sindarov also progressed after beating Martinez Alcantara Jose Eduardo in his tiebreak set.
Also Read: Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Marsh back in Sheffield Shield frame, raising fresh Test selection talks
Trending Stories
)
Dharmendra Pradhan's 1997 paper leak protest surfaces amid calls for resignation
)
He predicted COVID-19 and 2008 economic crisis, was labeled fearmonger. Now he has another dire warning
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters with most runs in India vs Zimbabwe T20Is
)
'Is that a back-up Trump?' Mysterious look-alike standing behind Donald Trump baffles netizens
)
ICC ODI Rankings: Joe Root jumps big, India trio close in on No. 1 spot
)
US House approves $95 billion budget for Trump's war against Iran. Where will the money go?
)
Sonam Wangchuk says the government has agreed to consider Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation
)
Trump blames AI for viral video of mystery objects thrown from White House window, WH says ‘maintenance’. Who's lying?
)
'Why was I detained?': Dhurandhar actress Ayesha Khan questions Mumbai police after brief custody during protest
)
Restaurant owner on trial in South Korea after serving 49,000 ants to diners | Gravitas
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
FBI arrests alleged $547mn medicare fraud fugitive after 3-year global manhunt
)
'Driven and courageous': Salman Khan backs student protests, urges education system reforms without political interference
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (July 20-26, 2026): Musafir Cafe, Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, 72 Hours- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
IND vs ZIM, 1st T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
)
Man with babyish face spends Rs 10 lakh on beard transplant to be taken seriously at work
)
'National mourning in America': Iran's IRGC issues chilling 9/11-style threat to US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
World's top 7 most liveable cities in 2026 — Check where India and Pakistan stand
)
'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation
)
Balen Shah's diplomatic U-turn? Nepal PM to hold one-on-one meetings with India, China envoys
)
Did Putin help Iran target CIA bases? US probes Russia's role in Gulf drone strikes
)
Pan Am plane wreckage that remained untraceable for 74 years has finally been found
)
'Don't waste...': CJI Surya Kant breaks silence on Delhi police brutality against protesting students
)
US launches 12th straight round of strikes on Iranian military targets. Details inside
)
'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows
)
Maharashtra Bandh call on July 23: What all you need to know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 Indian batters with most T20I runs against Zimbabwe
