India’s run in FIDE Chess World Cup ends with Erigaisi getting checkmated by Wei Yi

India's run in the FIDE Chess World Cup in Goa ended on Wednesday with Arjun Erigaisi's exit in the quarterfinals. Erigaisi lost 1.5-2.5 to Chinese GM Wei Yi following a defeat in the second Rapid tiebreaker game.

Erigiasi, who is the current national No 1, was the lone remaining Indian in the contest after World Champion D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Pentala Harikrishna were knocked out in Rounds 3, 4 and 5 respectively.

Erigaisi and Yi played consecutive draws in their two classical games over the last two days. Their first tiebreaker game today ended in a 65-move draw with Erigaisi showing great fighting spirit to bounce back from a negative position.

However, Yi showcased his brilliance in the end game in the second tiebreaker game. Erigaisi refused to resign despite Yi promoting a queen. Eventually, the young Indian was checkmated in the 79th move.

R Praggnanandhaa's final appearance last season remains the best finish by an Indian in the World Cup. Magnus Carlsen, the defending champion, is not participating in the ongoing edition.