Now Reading: Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin enter Esports World Cup quarterfinals
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Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin enter Esports World Cup quarterfinals
Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin won their last-bracket qualifiers at the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris to reach the quarterfinals. Nihal beat Jan-Krzysztof Duda in Armageddon after drawing both games against…
The Story in Brief
Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin won their last-bracket qualifiers at the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris to reach the quarterfinals. Nihal beat Jan-Krzysztof Duda in Armageddon after drawing both games against Wei Yi. Arjun defeated compatriot Pranesh M in straight games.
Both Indians remain on course for the country's first-ever podium finish in esports chess. Top seed Ian Nepomniachtchi was knocked out by Denis Lazavik. The quarterfinals and semifinals are on Friday, with the final on August 15.
The Indian Opinion
Narratives of 'luck carrying the day' are tempting after Nihal's Armageddon escapes, but he and Arjun have shown composure under short-format pressure. Indian chess fans should celebrate their progress without assuming a medal is guaranteed, the knockout stage rewards consistency, not just flair. The real test comes Friday: can they hold their nerve against stronger opponents when luck runs out?
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
