FIDE World Cup: Arjun, Praggnanandhaa likely to come back stronger

Panjim (Goa), Nov 20 (PTI) The last two years have been most productive for Indian chess in terms of interest the game generated, the success many players from the country enjoyed and chess finally reaching the heights wherein it has become now a full-time career sport.

The fact that are no Indians left to fight for glory in the FIDE World Cup may have its implications on Arjun, or even Praggnanandhaa, but these two can only come back stronger from current situation with age on their side.

Though it will remain unannounced till January, Praggnanandhaa will mostly make it to the Candidates but unlike the last time, will be the only Indian flagbearer in the premier biennial event.

In the last event, D Gukesh and Vidit Gujrathi had also qualified and the former had famously become the youngest ever world champion at a mere 18-years.

While all eyes will be on Praggnanandhaa, Arjun also has his task cut out as he will go and take on Magnus Carlsen and other elite company in the Freestyly chess Grand slam slated to be held in the breathtaking Cape-town in less than three weeks. After that Arjun and Praggnanandhaa will both participate in the World Rapid and Blitz for which Carlsen is also likely to give his consent.

The busy season for the Indian giants Gukesh, Arjun and Praggnanandhaa will take a temporary break only in January after the traditional Tata Steel tournament wherein all three of them are going to participate.

Meanwhile in the World Cup, the stage is set for three new comers to find a seat in the Candidates as the last four remaining players have never played this top event.

In the all-Uzbek contest the scales are titled in favour of Javokhir Sindarov who said he would be most delighted if both him and his opponent Nodirbek Yakubboev could qualify from here.

That can happen if the losing semifinalist from this contest wins the match for the third place in the last round.

In the other semifinal Andrey Esipenko and Wei Yi will clash and given his proficiency in the faster version of the game the Chinese GM will start as the favourite if the match is extended to shorter version.

However, Esipenko has shown here that he has steely nerves and it will be match to watch out for the chess buffs.

Results Quarterfinals: Nodirbek Yakubboev (Uzb) beat Alexander Donchenko (Ger) 1.5-0.5; Arjun Erigaisi (Ind) lost to Wei Yi (Chn) 1.5-2.5; Andrey Esipenko (Fid) beat Sam Shankland (Usa) 4-2; Javokhir Sindarov (Uzb) beat Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara 3.5-2.5. PTI Corr AT AT