FIDE Chess World Cup 2025: Arjun Erigaisi, P Harikrishna draw opening game of Round 5

Arjun and Pentala are the only remaining Indians in the competition.

GM Arjun Erigaisi’s efforts to break through GM Levon Aronian’s defence did not fructify while GM P Harikrishna played out a quick draw in the opening game of Round 5 at the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 here on Friday.

Playing white, Arjun Erigaisi could not convert his slight advantage in the double rook end game as the two players split points after 41 moves. Earlier, Harikrishna played a solid game with black to ensure that giant killer GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara had no opportunities to win with white.

A total of 24 Indian players started the competition that saw 206 players from 82 countries vying for the Viswanathan Anand Trophy. After four rounds, only two Indians are still in the fray to win the title and also grab the Candidate spots on offer.

On Friday, Arjun was keen on grabbing the advantage against two-time champion Aronian with white pieces. It looked like the Armenian-born Aronian was in trouble when he took almost 30 minutes to play his 21st move.

To his credit, he found a way to get out of trouble and then played solid chess to ensure that he goes into the second game with a theoretical advantage as he plays white.

Also Read: FIDE Chess World Cup 2025: Praggnanandhaa eliminated in round 4; Arjun Erigaisi, P Harikrishna advance

There was no such trouble for Harikrishna as he was well prepared for Alcantara’s plan as both the players raced to a rook-pawn endgame quickly and then opted for a draw in 41 moves. At the time of writing, six of the eight matches had ended in a draw.

Indian results for Round 5 (Game 1) of FIDE Chess World Cup 2025

• GM Arjun Erigaisi drew with GM Levon Aronian 0.5-0.5
• GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara drew with GM P Harikrishna 0.5-0.5

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram