Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Indian Grandmasters Erigaisi and Harikrishna Draw Opening Games at FIDE World Cup
Two top Indian chess players, Arjun Erigaisi and P. Harikrishna, are still in the running at the FIDE World Cup in Goa.
In the first game of the fifth round, both players drew their matches.
Arjun Erigaisi had a slight advantage but couldn't beat his strong opponent, Levon Aronian.
P. Harikrishna played a calm game and quickly agreed to a draw against Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara.
Many Indian players started, but only these two are left.
They are trying to win the tournament and get a spot in another big event called the Candidates tournament.
Both players will have a second game to try and win their matches.
Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and P. Harikrishna drew their opening games in Round 5 of the FIDE World Cup 2025.
Arjun Erigaisi played against Levon Aronian and could not convert his advantage in a rook endgame.
P. Harikrishna played a solid game with black and drew quickly against Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara.
Only two Indian players, Erigaisi and Harikrishna, remain in the competition out of an initial 24.
The tournament is a qualification event for the Candidates tournament, offering spots on the 2025 FIDE World Cup and Viswanathan Anand Trophy.
- Who
- Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and P. Harikrishna
- What
- Drew their opening games in Round 5 of the FIDE World Cup 2025.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Goa
- Why
- To compete in the FIDE World Cup and qualify for the Candidates tournament.
Player
Result
Arjun Erigaisi vs Levon Aronian
Player
Arjun Erigaisi was unable to convert his advantage in a double rook endgame against Levon Aronian.
Result
The game between Arjun Erigaisi and Levon Aronian ended in a draw after 41 moves.
Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara vs P. Harikrishna
Player
P. Harikrishna played a solid game with black, countering Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara's plans and agreeing to a quick draw.
Result
The game between Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara and P. Harikrishna ended in a draw in 41 moves.
- Tournament
- FIDE World Cup 2025
- Location
- Goa
- Round
- 5 (Opening Game)
- Indian Players Started
- 24
- Indian Players Remaining
- Arjun Erigaisi, P. Harikrishna
- Total Players
- 206 from 82 countries
- Trophy
- Viswanathan Anand Trophy
Sources
FIDE World Cup: Arjun vs Aronian; Harikrishna faces Martinez
Harikrishna draws first game with Martinez; Arjun draws with Aronian
FIDE World Cup 2025: Arjun and Harikrishna draw opening game of round 5
FIDE Chess World Cup 2025: Arjun, Harikrishna play out contrasting draws as fifth round gets off to an uneventful start in Goa
At chess World Cup, P Harikrishna’s defiant run shows Indian chess has depth
FIDE World Cup 2025: Arjun Erigaisi, Harikrishna draw opening game of Round 5
