Indias hopes of dominating the ongoing FIDE World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan suffered a dent as Grandmasters D Gukesh and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi faced exits from the premier chess competition on Wednesday.However, India is sure to have one representative in the semi-finals, as teen prodigy R Pragganandhaa skilfully pushed for a tie-break against fellow Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi. The crucial tie-breaker will be played on Thursday.The uphill battle for D Gukesh involved a formidable challenge from the five-time World Chess Champion, Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, on Tuesday. Despite playing with black pieces against the world No. 1, Gukesh secured a draw after 59 moves. Nevertheless, his opponent moved ahead with a 1.5-0 margin.Magnus Carlsen succeeds in securing the draw he needed to eliminate Gukesh, despite being a pawn down in the endgame, and will now face the local star of the #FIDEWorldCup, Nijat Abasov, in the semifinals.📷 Stev Bonhage pic.twitter.com/HiW8YzXYxD— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) August 16, 2023Carles, Abasov prepare for chess face-off at FIDE World CupMagnus Carlsen, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of maintaining his strategic approach in the semifinals.“I am happy to be in the semifinals not playing the very very top guys. Of course, it will not be easy… I dont think I have to do anything too unusual play my game, and hopefully it will be fine,” Carlsen said to the International Chess Federation.For Indian chess enthusiasts, the day took another unfortunate turn when Vidit conceded victory to local favourite Nijat Abasov in 44 moves during the quarterfinals, resulting in his exit. Abasov has emerged as a formidable force in the tournament, having triumphed over prominent names such as Laurent Fressinet, Peter Svidler, Anish Giri, and Salem A.R. Saleh.As Abasov prepares to face Carlsen in the semifinals, he recognises the challenge ahead and eagerly anticipates the encounter.“I have never faced Magnus in an official tournament. It will be a wonderful feeling to play against the world #1,” Abasov said.The determination of Indias lone semi-finalist for the prestigious event hinges on the outcome of the tie-breaker between Pragganandhaa and Erigaisi. The outcome of this intense face-off will determine who advances to the next stage of the tournament. One positive for the winner of that match would be that Carlsen has already declared his intention not to vie for a sport at the World Championship final for the second time running.“Under the current format [of the World Championships] there is absolutely no chance. I think everybody should operate under the assumption that I will not play at the Candidates and that everybody else whos in the semifinals is qualified for the Candidates,” he said.
