Arjun Erigaisi, the only Indian player still in contention of the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, held China’s Wei Yi to a draw with the black pieces in their opening quarterfinal match today at the Resort Rio Convention Centre in Goa. The game concluded quickly, lasting only 31 moves and 59 minutes.
Both players played safely and avoided taking risks, making almost perfect moves. Arjun achieved an impressive 99.5% accuracy with the black pieces, while Wei Yi was nearly as precise with 99% as White.
Arjun likely chose this steady approach against a tough opponent like Wei so he could wait for better chances when he plays with the white pieces tomorrow, without exposing himself to danger in the Classical round. A win in this matchup would put him very close to a Candidates spot, which he narrowly missed in the 2024 cycle.
FIDE World Cup has seen an unprecedented 24 Indian participants, with Arjun being the sole player to progress to Round 6.
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