Shockwaves in Goa: Giant Killers Rule the Tiebreaks!
Round 4 of the FIDE World Cup in Goa delivered pure drama. Eleven matches returned for high-pressure tiebreaks. Players fought across rapid, blitz, and even Armageddon to grab a spot in the Round of 16.
It was clear right from the start — this was a day of upsets. Several 2700+ stars were knocked out. Underdogs showed courage, nerves, and precise calculation when it mattered most.
By the end, the field had been sliced in half, and only sixteen players survived. The Candidates race is now wide open, and every game is becoming a battle for history.
Biggest Shock: Grebnev Knocks Out MVL!
The first giant to fall was GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (2737). He was eliminated by GM Aleksey Grebnev (2611), the recent winner of the Dubai Open.
Grebnev won the first rapid game with White, and in the second, he calmly guided the game into a theoretical draw.
The key moment came when MVL blundered under pressure with 47…Nd5+?. After precise moves by White, the game collapsed instantly.
Sam Shankland Crushes Rapport
Another favourite, GM Richard Rapport (2724), was knocked out by GM Sam Shankland (2654). Shankland showed world-class discipline:
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He used the Caro–Kann Defence to neutralize Rapport’s creativity.
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In Game 2, Rapport tried the Pirc Modern, but landed in a cramped, passive position.
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Shankland converted flawlessly and won a miniature in just 25 moves.
“I wasn’t very optimistic… but today I got my chance,” Shankland admitted with a smile.
Harikrishna Shines, Svane Keeps Rising
GM Pentala Harikrishna (2697) eliminated GM Nils Grandelius (2645). Harikrishna showed his trademark strategy and endgame mastery, calmly converting his advantage.
Germany also had a memorable day. GM Frederik Svane (2638) defeated GM Shant Sargsyan (2667). After Sargsyan’s time-pressure mistake 30…f6?, Svane’s attack crashed through with 31.Nh4!. Another young German joins the last sixteen!
Dubov Eliminates Praggnanandhaa
One of the day’s biggest upsets came from GM Daniil Dubov (2684). He knocked out India’s star and former World Cup finalist, GM Praggnanandhaa R (2771).
Dubov revealed his strategy:
“Make a draw with White and get a real game with Black.”
It worked perfectly. Pragg blundered with 35.Bxd5?, and after …Bb6!, Black’s attack was unstoppable.
Arjun Erigaisi Looks Unstoppable
India’s top hope, GM Arjun Erigaisi (2773), is playing like a future World Championship contender. He eliminated legendary GM Peter Leko (2666) with confident rapid play.
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Leko sacrificed a pawn but got no compensation.
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Erigaisi controlled both games from start to finish.
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Leko will now join the commentary team for the rest of the event.
Sargissian, Sindarov, and Esipenko Advance
Armenian Olympiad hero GM Gabriel Sargissian (2624) eliminated GM Awonder Liang (2710). A late blunder 62…Rh1? allowed White’s c-pawn to decide the game.
Uzbek star GM Javokhir Sindarov (2721) defeated GM Yu Yangyi (2720) in a wild queen-and-pawn endgame. “It was very tiring… rapid endgames are extremely difficult to play,” he said afterward.
In a clash of prodigies, GM Andrey Esipenko (2693) eliminated GM Vincent Keymer (2755). Keymer collapsed in time trouble, and Esipenko dominated the shorter games.
Wei Yi and Sevian Survive Brutal Battles
GM Wei Yi (2754) finally broke through against GM Parham Maghsoodloo (2697) during the blitz games.
GM Samuel Sevian (2698) edged out GM Lorenzo Lodici (2560) in an epic, back-and-forth Armageddon finish.
“It was crazy… both of us had winning chances,” Sevian said after qualifying.
The Round of 16 Is Set
Sixteen players remain — a fascinating mix of fearless prodigies and battle-tested legends. Round 5 begins on November 14 at 3 PM (local time). Fans can follow the games live with expert commentary on the FIDE YouTube Channel.
Photos: Michal Walusza, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
