The big names from India's 24-member contingent faced a premature exit from the ongoing Chess World Cup in Goa, where 206 players from 82 countries are participating.
The latest exit of Pentala Harikrishna against Jose Martinez by 3.5-2.5 in round 5 now leaves India's all hopes on Arjun Erigaisi, who is the only Indian remaining in the competition in the quarter-final.
Previously, Indian star boys, R Praggnanandhaa (round 4) and Gukesh Dommaraju (round 3) faced early exits against Daniil Dubov and Fredrik Svane.
Who is Arjun Erigaisi?
Born on September 3, 2003, the 22-year-old Chess Grandmaster hails from Warangal, Telangana. He is currently the highest-ranked Indian at 6 in the world ranking, ahead of R. Praggnandhaa and Gukesh Dommaraju.
Arjun became a GM in 2018, aged just 14 years and 11 months. He has previously reached a ranking of no. 3, with a career peak rating of 2801 in December 2024.
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In 2015, he clinched the silver medal at the Asian Youth Championship, followed by becoming the first Indian to qualify to the Goldmoney Asian Rapid of Champions Chess tour in 2021. Subsequently, he went on to win Menorca Open A in 2024.
Earlier this year, Arjun notably defeated Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess 2025 with a score of 13.0 to 16.0.
In the quarter final, he is up against the Chinese Grand Master Wei Yi, with a scoreline of 1-1.
Why is Arjun Erigaisi India's only hope at the Chess World Cup?
Erigaisi has become India’s lone contender at the Chess World Cup 2025 after the rest of the 24-member contingent bowed out earlier than expected. Big names like Harikrishna, Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh suffered exits in the previous rounds, leaving Arjun as the only Indian still standing in the quarterfinals.
With every other top player eliminated, the country’s hopes now rest squarely on his shoulders as he pushes for a deep run in Goa.