Panaji, Nov 14, 2025

Grandmaster (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 the fifth round of the FIDE World Cup 2025 here on Friday. Playing white, Arjun could not convert his slight advantage in the double rook endgame 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 a spot on offer in the Candidate

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