FIDE World Cup 2025: Quarterfinals Confirmed After Dramatic Tiebreak Battles in Goa
The FIDE World Cup in Goa delivered another thrilling day of action. Round 5 tiebreaks decided the final four spots in the quarterfinals, and the battles were full of high pressure, rapid strikes, and unforgettable mistakes.
With yesterday’s classical games ending in draws, everything depended on today’s rapid and blitz play. Four players rose to the challenge and grabbed their place in the final eight.
The ceremonial first move was made for Lê Quang Liêm by Mr. Kedar J Naik, MLA of Goa and Chairman of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation — a fitting start to a day of high drama.
Tiebreak Results – Round of 16
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Sam Shankland defeated Daniil Dubov (3–1)
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Andrey Esipenko beat Aleksey Grebnev (2.5–1.5)
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José Martínez ended Pentala Harikrishna’s run (3.5–2.5)
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Alexander Donchenko edged Lê Quang Liêm in blitz (4.5–3.5)
♟️ Dubov vs Shankland: A Strategy Turned Upside Down
Daniil Dubov came in confident, planning to push matches into tiebreaks where his rapid and blitz skills shine. But Sam Shankland turned the tables.
In the first rapid game, Shankland surprised Dubov with a sharp novelty and took over the position in style. Dubov tried to be creative but slipped into mistakes, giving Shankland a clean win.
The second game seemed headed for a draw, but Dubov overpressed and lost again. His World Cup journey ended, while Shankland advanced with confidence. He reflected emotionally, saying he hopes to “banish the demon” of his painful 2021 exit.
🔥 Esipenko vs Grebnev: A 145-Move Endgame Marathon
Esipenko shocked many by taking quiet draws in classical play. But in rapid, he revealed the real plan. His first game was a brilliant attacking win out of a Petroff, ending in complete domination.
The second game lasted 145 moves! Grebnev got winning chances, but nerves kicked in, and he failed to convert. Esipenko defended calmly and secured the match. This result marks the deepest run of Esipenko’s career in a World Cup.
⚡ Harikrishna vs José Martínez: Missed Chances and Expert Blitz Skill
Harikrishna was considered the slight favorite in rapid, while Martínez was known for elite blitz skills. When Harikrishna failed to strike early, the advantage slipped away.
Martínez played a smooth first rapid win in the Sicilian. In the second rapid game, Harikrishna tried an unusual Caro-Kann to avoid preparation. He nearly got a winning position, but one key tactical idea slipped by.
The moment he missed his chance, Martínez took control, forced a draw, and qualified. After the match, he issued a bold statement:
“Those who want to go far in this World Cup have to get through me.”
⚔️ Donchenko vs Lê Quang Liêm: Comeback, Drama, and a Stunning Blitz Finish
Donchenko missed a big chance in classical play yesterday. Today, he showed resilience. Playing the Grünfeld with Black, he converted structural weaknesses into a winning passed pawn and took the lead.
Lê Quang fought back with brave aggression and used an attacking setup in the Modern Defense to level the score and push the match into blitz.
The blitz games began with a surprising quick draw. Then came the big moment. In a sharp Nimzo-Indian, Donchenko exploded through the kingside and finished the game with the stunning tactic:
31.Qg7+!
He jokingly called it a “cheap trick,” but it secured his biggest career win.
🎯 Quarterfinal Lineup Is Ready
The final eight players are:
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Arjun Erigaisi
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Wei Yi
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Javokhir Sindarov
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Nodirbek Yakubboev
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Sam Shankland
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Andrey Esipenko
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José Martínez
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Alexander Donchenko
There are no easy matches ahead. With rising stars, fearless fighters, and confident challengers, the stage is set for fierce battles.
📅 What’s Next?
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Round 6, Game 1 begins on November 17 at 3 PM local time.
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Watch live with GM commentary by Jan Gustafsson and Peter Leko on the official FIDE YouTube channel.
Photos: Michal Walusza, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
