Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi is set to face a formidable Levon Aronian of Armenia, while P Harikrishna will challenge the giant-killer Jose Eduardo Martinez Alacantara of Mexico in the pre-quarterfinals
of the FIDE World Cup.
After defeating Peter Leko of Hungary 2-0 in the first set of the tie-break games, Arjun now meets Aronian, who has shown excellent form coming into the round of 16. Despite Arjun’s rating advantage, the match appears evenly balanced.
Harikrishna faces his biggest challenge yet in Jose Martinez, who has been impeccable, defeating higher-ranked players consecutively. Harikrishna admitted he has never played against the Mexican in a Classical game. “I think probably in some blitz games sometime but I don’t think I have ever played him before, its time to take some rest and then come back for the next round.”
With R Praggnanandhaa eliminated by Daniil Dubai in the fourth round tiebreaker, it is now up to Harikrishna and Arjun to compete for the honours.
Three places are reserved for the next Candidates from the top three finishers. Apart from Praggnanandhaa, no other Indian has yet qualified for the next Candidates.
In the 2023 edition, which was won by reigning world champion Gukesh, three Indians, including Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi, joined Gukesh, making history.
With most big names out of contention, Arjun and Wei Yi of China are the last two remaining players with ratings over 2750, suggesting more surprises may be in store.
The elimination of Vincent Keymer and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the previous round’s tiebreaks shocked fans, and it remains to be seen who will fall under the axe next.
Wei Yi will face Samuel Sevian of the United States in the next round and starts as a strong favourite.
In other intriguing matchups, Gabriel Sargissian will have a younger opponent in Nodirbek Yakubboev of Uzbekistan, while another Uzbek star, Javokhir Sindarov, will play against Frederic Svane of Germany, who famously defeated Gukesh.
What Are The Pairings For Round 5?
Javokhir Sindarov (Uzb) vs Frederic Svane (Ger); Arjun Erigaisi (Ind) vs Levon Aronia (Usa); Sam Shankland (Usa) vs Daniil Dubov (FID); Alexander Donchenko (Ger) vs Liem Le Quang (Vie); Gabriel Sargissian (Arm) vs Nodirbek Yakubboev (Uzb); Andrey Esipenko (Fid) vs Aleksey Grebnev (Fid); Sevian Samuel (Usa) vs Wei Yi (Chn); Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara vs P Harikrishna (Ind).
(With inputs from Agencies)
