Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Arjun Erigaisi advanced as the sole Indian contender in the FIDE World Cup quarterfinals after P Harikrishna’s run came to an end in the fifth-round tie-breaks in Panaji, Goa. Harikrishna, who had shown impressive form throughout the tournament, was stopped by Jose Martinez Alcantara of Mexico, whose strong performance has been one of the major talking points of the event.
Martinez, already known for defeating Nodirbek Yakubboev earlier in the competition, added another major win to his name by outplaying Harikrishna when it mattered most. His third victory over a higher-rated opponent has placed him among the standout performers of the knockout stage, giving him a strong chance of entering the semifinals, where the top three players will secure places in next year’s Candidates tournament.
Harikrishna began the tie-breaks with two draws in the 15-minute games and appeared determined to press for a win in the next phase. However, time pressure struck at a crucial moment in the middle game, leaving him unable to maintain control. Martinez capitalised efficiently, showcasing his strength in rapid formats. Needing a victory with the black pieces in the final game to stay alive, Harikrishna held only a draw after 30 moves, confirming his exit.
Elsewhere, Grandmaster Sam Shankland delivered a decisive performance against Daniil Dubov, ending the Russian’s promising campaign. Dubov, who had looked confident following his win over R Praggnanandhaa in the previous round, could not withstand Shankland’s attacking precision.
The quarterfinal lineup is now set. Erigaisi will take on Chinese Grandmaster Wei Yi, Shankland will face Andrey Esipenko, and Martinez will meet Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan as the fight for semifinal spots intensifies.
