Arjun Erigaisi was knocked out of the FIDE World Cup at the quarter-final stage, losing to Wei Yi of China 1.5-2.5 in the first set of tie-breakers on Wednesday.
Arjun played with black pieces in the first rapid chess game and employed the French defence. It did not turn out to be a great choice, however, as Arjun was soon on the backfoot losing a rook for a minor piece.
Wei Yi had huge advantage, but Arjun posed stiff resistance despite being low on material. Eventually Wei Yi fumbled in the ensuing endgame and Arjun escaped with a drew.
In the second rapid game the Indian did not have much luck despite playing with white pieces. Wei Yei got a tangible position in the middle game and had his light squared Bishop firmly posted on the sixth rank that eventually caused a lot of problems.
Arjun lost one pawn in the endgame and even though the complications remained, Wei Yi got the technicalities in his favour with some timely pawn advances. Arjun was finally checkmated.
The result also means R Praggnanandhaa will be the only Indian player to contest the FIDE Candidates tournament next year.
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