Checkmated in Goa: Harikrishna Falls to Mexico’s Martinez as Arjun Stands Alone

India’s World Cup hopes narrow as Harikrishna exits in Round 5 tiebreaks  
In a dramatic Round 5 showdown at the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa, Pentala Harikrishna was eliminated by Peruvian-Mexican Grandmaster Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara. After drawing both classical games, the match extended into rapid tiebreaks. The first two 15-minute games ended in draws, but Martinez clinched victory in the third rapid game, ending Harikrishna’s campaign.

Harikrishna had earlier defeated top players including Russia’s Arseniy Nesterov and Sweden’s Nils Grandelius, showcasing strong form. His exit marks the 23rd Indian elimination from the tournament. Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi, who stunned two-time World Cup champion Levon Aronian, now carries India’s hopes into the quarterfinals.

Notable updates  

• Harikrishna lost to Jose Martinez in the third rapid tiebreak game of Round 5  
• He had previously defeated top seeds including Nesterov and Grandelius  
• Arjun Erigaisi is now India’s only remaining player in the tournament  
• Erigaisi advanced by defeating Levon Aronian 1.5–0.5 in classical games  
• India’s top seeds, including Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, exited in earlier rounds  

Sources: Indian Express, Hindustan Times, News18