FTX Road to Miami R13-15: Arjun Erigaisi set to clash with Aronian in the Quarterfinals

by Shahid Ahmed - 14/07/2022

Arjun Erigaisi squashed Jeffery Xiong in a 21-move miniature. He drew with Anish Giri and one of his seconds, Aryan Tari. A year and about two weeks later, the reigning National Senior champion became the only Indian to advance to the Knockout stage of a Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event, twice. The last time the teenager faced the two-time World Cup winner, Aronian was at the exact same stage, Arjun ended Aronian's unbeaten streak at the Goldmoney Asian Rapid. Thus, the saga began. Will this time Arjun eliminate Aronian and gain maximum momentum against the Armenian before the 44th Chess Olympiad? Quarterfinals start tonight from 9:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Jurriaan Hoefsmit/Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2022

Sevian tops the Prelims, Arjun Erigaisi second

Samuel Sevian (USA) continued his fantastic form on the final day of the Prelims. He suffered his first loss of the event against FIDE World Cup 2021 winner, Jan-Krzysztof Duda (POL) in Round 14. Reigning Women's World champion, Wenjun Ju had her sole draw in Round 15 after playing 14 decisive games. Round 14 turned out to be only round of the event where all seven games ended decisively.

Arjun Erigaisi got himself a great opportunity to write another new chapter in the Arjun Erigaisi - Aronian saga | Photo: Jurriaan Hoefsmit/Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2022

Round 14: Arjun Erigaisi - Xiong: 3-0

Arjun Erigaisi made a short work of Jeffery Xiong (USA) in just 21 moves.

Position after 12.Nd6+

White got a decisive advantage after the twelfth move of the game. There is no good way to defend the f7-pawn after 12...Kf8 13.Ne5. White won the game in eight more moves.