India’s remaining representatives at the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and Pentala Harikrishna, contested today in the first classical game of Round 5 at the Resort Rio Convention Centre in Arpora, Goa.
Today, Arjun looked to gain an edge against two-time World Cup champion Levon Aronian with the white pieces. Aronian seemed to be under pressure when he spent almost 30 minutes thinking over his 21st move.
The American grandmaster, however, defended accurately and managed to get out of trouble, playing safely to secure a draw. He will now have white in the second game tomorrow, giving him a slight advantage on paper.
Harikrishna, in contrast, had a trouble-free game against Jose Martinez. Well-prepared for his opponent’s plan, he quickly reached a rook-and-pawn endgame, and both players agreed to a draw after 41 moves. Second classical games of Round 5 will be played tomorrow from 3 PM onwards.
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