RIYADH, Aug 13: Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi produced a strong run at the Esports World Cup chess event, defeating compatriot Nihal Sarin before his campaign ended in the semifinals against Alireza Firouzja.
Erigaisi and Nihal, who are close friends and among India’s leading young chess players, met in a high-profile quarterfinal contest. Erigaisi emerged victorious to secure his place in the last four.
His semifinal opponent, Firouzja, proved too strong, ending the Indian player’s bid to reach the final.
Nihal had entered the knockout stage in impressive form, making the all-Indian clash particularly significant for Indian chess. Erigaisi’s progress nevertheless ensured another strong showing by an Indian player on a major international esports platform.
The event has brought together leading players from the global chess circuit in a fast-paced competitive format, combining elite chess with the growing esports ecosystem.
Erigaisi’s semifinal appearance further underlines India’s growing presence in international elite chess, with the country’s younger generation continuing to make an impact against established global names.
